Environmental Science Marine Mammals in Puget Island Discussion

Environmental Science Marine Mammals in Puget Island Discussion

The purpose of the Module 3 Lab is to explore and evaluate management decisions for the orca population and how they would affect the Puget Sound biological community.

You will have the opportunity to develop skills/knowledge in:

• defining key concepts in community ecology
• relating the resident orca whale community to the health of the Puget Sound ecosystem, such as in nutrient cycling, population control and energy flow
• identifying the reasons for the decline of resident orca whales
• evaluate environmental actions to recover the orca population and preserve their role in the biological community in Puget Sound

In order to complete this module, you will complete the following tasks:

• Compose a 1-page (1.5 line spacing, 12 pt font) letter to a news source of your choice. Spend roughly half of your letter explaining the role of orca whales in the community of organisms that inhabit Puget Sound. (I’m looking to see what you’ve learned about community ecology in this part of the letter). Spend the last half of your letter identifying which one solution you think we, the governor and/or the region needs to focus on regarding the recovery of the orca population. You can choose from one of the Orca Task Force’s recommendations (listed on our What to do Module 3 page) or a different aspect of orca conservation. Many scientists don’t believe the conservations efforts go far enough. I highly recommend strengthening and supporting your argument by utilizing one or more of the following resources:

• Make sure to utilize quotes, facts and concepts rather than opinion alone. Include your sources at the end of your letter.

Use the following criteria/tips for success:

• Reference the grading rubric for this assignment
• Don’t forget that you have a lab group discussion page!

PLACE THE ORDER WITH US TODAY AND GET A PERFECT SCORE!!!