Part Two
(Submit completed work: 20 possible points)
Review the lesson and think about the different factors that can affect organisms. Environmental factors and genetic factors often interact. The population structure and dynamics affect the amount of competition within a population, which would also influence natural selection. In this part, you will design a new marine species and explain what type of adaptations it has.
Write a summary describing your invented marine organism. This information may be presented in either report or presentation format and must include the following:
The name and type of organism (plant, animal, bacterium, protozoan, or fungus) (2 points)
What other species the organism is most closely related to (Your species is fictional, but what real species is it most like?) (2 points)
What ocean zone the organism lives in, including a description of the ecosystem (include temperature, pressure, and light) (2 points)
The population the organism lives in (How many organisms typically live together?) (2 points)
Two adaptations the organism has, and how they help it survive in its environment (3 points)
An example of an environmental or pathogenic factor that poses a risk to the organism, and why it is a risk (3 points)
The most challenging part of surviving for the organism, and a prediction as to how it might adapt in the future in response (3 points)
An original drawing of the organism (You may draw it by hand and take a picture, or use computer software to create one, but it must be your own work.) (3 points)
My invented marine organism is called the Coralivore, a type of animal. It is most closely related to the parrotfish, as it also feeds on coral but has evolved unique adaptations to thrive in its ecosystem.
The Coralivore lives in the coral reef zone of the ocean, where it has a symbiotic relationship with the coral. The ecosystem consists of warm waters with temperatures ranging from 23-29°C, high water pressure, and abundant sunlight that reaches the shallow waters where the coral reefs thrive.
The Coralivore typically lives in small populations of 10-20 individuals, as they have specific territories within the coral reefs where they feed and reproduce.
Two adaptations of the Coralivore are its specialized teeth that can break down the hard outer skeleton of coral to access the polyps inside, and its unique coloration that allows it to blend in with the coral and avoid detection by predators. These adaptations help the Coralivore survive by providing it with a reliable food source and protection from danger.
A risk to the Coralivore is coral bleaching caused by environmental factors such as rising ocean temperatures and pollution. Coral bleaching reduces the availability of food for the Coralivore, putting its population at risk of decline.
The most challenging part of surviving for the Coralivore is competition with other coral-eating species. In response, it may adapt by developing more efficient hunting strategies or migrating to less populated coral reefs.
(In the handwritten drawing, the Coralivore is depicted as a small, brightly colored fish with sharp teeth and patterns that mimic the coral it feeds on.)