+1 862 207 3288 Total possible points: 40
Separate grade for peer review: 10 points
Peer review: each student who completes a first draft and brings a hard copy of the paper to
class on the due date will exchange papers with another student. Each student is to read the
paper and make insightful and helpful comments on the paper to help the other student
improve their paper with respect to the requirements of the paper and any grammar/spelling
edits.
This essay will require research from at least 3 different sources. Only use quotations where it is
absolutely necessary. Quotations and summaries of another persons idea, even if it is stated in
your words, requires a citation at the end of the sentence (or paragraph) AND listed in the
Literature Cited at the end of the paper. Originality will be checked using various methods.
Papers that do not follow the General Requirements section listed below will not be graded.
Some information may not be available for your specific animal. In that case, use the
information from the lowest taxonomic group that your organism belongs to.
General requirements: 7 points
Typed, Font: 12pt, double spaced, 1″ margin on all sides
The paper should be written in essay format
Paragraphs should be divided to cover each section listed below.
Literature citation of all sources used for research (minimum of 3)
2 sources must be non‐Internet sources (textbook and field guides work)
Cite your sources within the paper AND list all at the end of the paper
NO Wikipedia, encyclopedias, or dictionaries can be used as primary sources
(will not be counted as part of the 3 required sources).
Correct spelling and grammar
General Characteristics: 7 points
Taxonomy (list form: Kingdom, Phylum, etc. Remember to italicize the Genus and
the binomial species name, ex. Homo, Homo sapiens)
Describe physical features. Remember to use METRIC UNITS!
What type of habitat does this animal live in?
Diet: 4 points
What does it eat?
How does it capture its food? (special structures, behavior, etc)
Anatomy/Physiology: 10 points
Does it thermoregulate? (i.e. metabolically, behaviorally, or by staying in an area
with a constant temperature range) Any special adaptations in addition to stay
warm?
What organs does it use to balance its water content?
How does it exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide?
Does it have a circulatory system? If yes, then describe its circulatory system. If no,
describe how materials move through the body of the animal.
What skeletal structure does it have? How does it move around?
Reproduction: 8 points
Sexual reproduction or both asexual and sexual?
Male and female sexes separate or in one body? Can you tell the difference
between male and female? If yes, what are their different features?
Seasonal mating/how often does mating occur?
How many offspring? Gestation period? Parental care?
In your own words: 4 points
What is special about this animal? (Unique or “strange” features, etc)
What interesting aspect would you study about this animal?
