Fall 2009 - Ecological Questions
Students chose to research and answer questions relating to overall patterns
seen in nature.
What is
causing the US bat population to decline so dramatically?
How plants
survive artic temperatures
Do bears (or any
mammal) really hibernate?
How do
invasive species affect their environment?
Aquatic Life:
How bacteria and pollution have a negative impact
North
Carolina coastal conservation
Why are big
cats so sensitive to endangerment?
Fall 2008 - Endangered Species and Conservation Techniques
The following species were selected by students. After researching the
endangered animals, the best strategies for conservation were studied.
Students elaborate on these techniques and how they might benefit their
endangered species by pulling in other studies conducted by researchers.
Ocelot Ferret Orangutan Panda Bear
Fall 2007 - Exotic Species
The following species were selected by students as interesting species that were introduced into an area, which was followed by problems. In addition to discussing the species in question, the students were also asked to further elaborate on the group that the species belonged. You will find additional information on general zoology or botany as a result.
Yellow Crazy Ant Giant Salvinia Giant African Snails
Lionfish Flathead Catfish Rusty Crayfish
Fall 2005 - Biodiversity in Local Ecosystems
The following teams or individuals choose a particular ecosystem in North Carolina, and then developed a hierarchical classification of one type of organism. The student web pages include background information, the classification scheme of the group of organisms selected, the biodiversity assessment of this group, and the biopolitical elements in the region.
Smoky Mountains Piedmont Area Grasslands The Dismal Swamp NC Oceans Maritime Forests Estuaries Chaparral
Fall 2004 - Conservation of Orchid Species
The following teams or individuals evaluated allozyme data on 6 populations of orchids living in wetlands and had to determine which populations to conserve. There is some neat information on orchids and wetlands as well.
| Team A | Team B | Team C | Team D |
Fall 2003 - Managing a Forest for Timber and Endangered Species
Working in groups, students had to design two different proposals to present that would accomplish two goals: harvesting enough timber to make a profit and managing the forest for an endangered species of parrot.
Fall 2002 - Ecology Zoological Park Design Projects
Working in groups, the students were assigned a role to serve for the advisory committee of the VietNam Zoological Park. Such roles included curator of invertebrates, curator of vertebrates, veterinarian, field biologist, and wildlife center director. The objective was to select animals from a list of 79 species to use in a conservation program for the zoo. The students followed the World Zoo Conservation Strategy, which includes conservation, research and education components. In addition, financial considerations were taken into account. Please select on the following web pages to see their hard work!