A knowledge evaluation on squirrel habits primarily based on the science journal article. The article explores the habits of two sorts of squirrels in response to roads.
The unique (native) squirrels, referred to as the Mt. Graham purple squirrel tends to remain in forested areas and keep away from the roads. The North American Pink Squirrel was launched in 1987. This squirrel has a broader vary that overlaps with roads.
How will interactions between these two species have an effect on their total populations? College students can infer from the background info and diagrams that competitors will happen. In the event that they know concerning the aggressive exclusion precept, they could predict that one squirrel will turn into extinct. They might additionally predict that the 2 squirrels will cut back competitors as a result of they’ve separate niches.
It’s also possible to view and print the notes and slides for this unit at Chapter 47: Group Interactions
Squirrel Interactions with Roads
The primary diagram reveals the ranges of the 2 squirrels and the situation of roads. The examine additionally consists of random traces and factors to function controls. Mainly, are the roads and site visitors driving the habits, or would squirrels additionally react to the random traces. College students use the graphic to investigate the behaviors of the 2 squirrels and suggest explanations.
College students suggest a definition for the time period “house vary” with respect to squirrel populations. Pink squirrels have a smaller vary than the launched Abert’s squirrel.
The following graph reveals information on the likelihood of the squirrels crossing the street. The bar graph compares purple squirrels to Abert’s squirrels. One bar represents a random line and the opposite represents the street.
College students then write a CLAIM primarily based on the information proven within the graph. Subsequent, they summarize the EVIDENCE proven within the graph. Lastly, they counsel causes for the variations in habits of the squirrels. They focus on how these variations can in the end have an effect on the 2 populations.
