Lesson Overview
Performance Expectation:
B-LS2-7: Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
Objective:
Students will investigate the behavioral and physiological adaptations of turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) that enable them to fulfill their ecological role as scavengers. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to explain how turkey vultures contribute to ecosystem health and demonstrate an understanding of the interconnectedness of organisms within an ecosystem.
Essential Question
1. How do the behavioral adaptations of turkey vultures contribute to their success as scavengers in their ecosystem?
2. What physiological adaptations do turkey vultures possess that enable them to efficiently digest carrion and thrive in their environment?
3. How do turkey vultures contribute to ecosystem health, and what role do they play in maintaining ecological balance?
4. In what ways are turkey vultures interconnected with other organisms within their ecosystem, and how does their presence impact the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem?
5. What human activities pose threats to turkey vultures and other scavengers, and how can we mitigate these impacts to support their populations and ecosystem health?
Grade(s):
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
9, 10, 11
Materials Needed:
1. Pictures or videos of turkey vultures in their natural habitat- What’s Wild- Turkey Vultures Video
2. Text resources about turkey vultures and their adaptations
3. Drawing materials (paper, colored pencils, markers)
4. Computers or tablets for research
5. Worksheet or graphic organizer for students to record their observations and findings
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