Introduction

Ethology of Animals

Focus

Ethology is the study of natural animal behaviour. Scientists use this method as a way to understand animal behaviour as it relates to adaptive strategies, reproductive strategies, and energy requirements.

By the end of this lab you will be able to:

Describe typical activities your animal does during the day.
Describe the amount of time the animal does these activities.
Describe how the animals use Race Rocks as a habitat .

Find and Filter

You will be separated into groups of two to gather information about the behaviour of animals at Race Rocks. You can observe either birds or seals and sea lions. Go to the worksheet to begin . After you have completed your information gathering, go to the report and answer the discussion questions.

Communicate

Prepare a presentation on a life in the day of your animal. You will need the following:

Title
Pictures of your animal
Answers to the questions in the report

Add other information that you consider interesting and important.

Reflection

Answer the following question with your opinion: A long time ago when the coast guard used to take care of the lighthouse, the grass was cut all the time. Now that the island is being allowed to revert back to its original, natural state, the grass is getting longer. Some people visiting the island have said that they find it is looking messy… and they want us to cut the grass at Race Rocks. How do you think cutting the grass will change the Race Rocks environment and impact the animals living there?

Assessment

Go to the assessment page where your teacher will lead you through a discussion about expectations for this assignment.