Unit V Homework Assignment Worksheet -- Threatened Species Introduction

Unit V Homework Assignment Worksheet—Threatened Species
Introduction
This unit is about ecology, the study of the interaction between living species. As we discussed in the unit
lesson, all species are dependent on one another—even trees need birds to eat the insects that want to
devour the trees. Some trees, like oaks, need squirrels to plant their acorns. Consequently, when you
study a species in the Red List for this assignment, be aware that somewhere along the line, this species
is important.
Materials Needed:
A computer with Internet access
Directions:
1. Click on https://www.iucnredlist.org (or copy and paste the URL into your browser) to go to the IUCN
Red List of Threatened Species website. The site may load somewhat slowly, so be patient.
2. Take a moment to peruse the website. Scroll down and look at a few of the animals and the news
articles.
3. On the Redlist home page, type the state in which you reside in the search box where it says “names -
common, scientific, regions etc...” (see below). A list of species will appear in a drop-down menu. You
can select “more species” from the drop-down menu to see more. You will want to study a species that
lives near you and upon which you might be able to have an impact.
NOTE: Make sure that the species you pick actually lives near you. For example, the “South Georgia
Diving-petrel” does not live in the state of Georgia in the United States, but rather on the South Georgia
Island near Antarctica. To confirm that your chosen species lives near you, select the “Geographic range
in detail” link beneath the map that appears.
4. Do not pick a species that has a category of “least concern,” “data deficient,” or “not evaluated.”
What Information Did You Find?
Study the available information about your species and answer the following questions (in your own
words—do not copy and paste from the site). When reviewing information on the site, look for “in detail” to
get a more comprehensive picture (e.g., population in detail, conservation in detail, and so on).
Respond to each question in the blank area following it. Each area will expand as necessary.
1. What is the common name and the scientific name of your species?
Common Name - Georgia Pigtoe.
Scientific Name - Pleurobema hanleyianum.

2. What is your species’ Redlist category? (For example, endangered, critically endangered, or one
of the others.)
Redlist category – Critically Endangered.
3. What kind of habitat does the species inhabit? Briefly describe the habitat/biome.
a. Tell what other plants and animals live in this biome.
This species lives generally lives wetlands. To be specific, it lives in freshwater inland waters
such as streams, creeks and rivers. They are generally found in the medium sized river with a
good current and gravel or sand substrate. River with good current is their most suitable habitat.
Other plants and animals lives in this biome are: Altahama Skullcap, Aaron's Rod, Bog
Sneezeweed, newts, salamanders, hellbenders and frogs.
4. What are some of the threats to the species?
a. Which threats are caused by humans?
Threats of this species are:
 Agriculture and aquaculture such as livestock farming
 Commercial and residential development such as housing
 Modifications of Natural system such as construction of damn
 Pollution such as urban and domestic waste water.
All of the above mentioned threats are caused by humans.
5. Does human population growth adversely impact this species?
Yes, human population growth has adversely affected this species. Owing to the housing and
urban development caused the habitat loss of this species which led to the decline of this species
population. Growth of human population also increase the land surface runoff. Land surface
runoff also affects the quality of the water in which the species lives in.
6. Consider the population of your species.
a. What is the estimated population of the organism and how was it measured?
b. What is the population trend?
a) This species thought to be extinct in few years back. Presently, this species found in only one
or two locations only. At the moment, there are only handful of shells lives and found in the rivers
of Georgia.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service initiated survey was used for the measurement of the number of
the species.
b) The population trend of this species is that it is ‘Decreasing’. Since, 1950’s to 1970’s, the
species population has been decreased over 80 percent.
7. Consider the habitat for your species.
a. What might be some density dependent factors?
b. What might be some density independent factors?
c. Briefly list ways in which climate change might be affecting this creature’s habitat.
d. List two actions people can do to preserve this species and biodiversity.