Extinction Objectives : Level 3- Recall factors that can lead
to extinction. Level 4- Define the term extinction. Level 5-
Explain how changes in the environment may lead to extinctions.
Level 6- Explain why some organisms are more at risk of extinction
than others. Level 7- Design a conservation plan to stop a named
organism from becoming extinct Key skills you will use: Working
with others, Improving own learning performance, Communication,
problem solving and your thinking skills.
Slide 12
Were they ever here? Animals that used to live in Britain Grey
wolf Grey wolves once had the largest distribution of any animal
except human beings. Today, the grey wolf can only be found in
Canada, Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Wisconsin in the USA,
Russia and pockets of Eastern Europe In the UK? Extinct by 1680,
after centuries of persecution Diet: Carnivorous feeds mainly on
deer Habitat: Grey wolves are very adaptable to different terrain.
They live in tundra, steppe (treeless plains), open woodland and
forest.
Slide 13
Brown Bear Brown bears have the most widespread distribution of
all bears. They inhabit North America, east and west Europe and
northern Asia In the UK? Extinct by 900 AD Diet: feeds mainly on
roots, berries, seeds, insects, fish and honey Habitat: Dense
forest areas, alpine tundra regions and river valleys.
Slide 14
Eurasian lynx Eurasian lynx are found in areas of Asia and
parts of Europe, especially in Swiss forests. They have one of the
widest ranges of all cat species In the UK? Extinct by 900 AD Diet:
Carnivorous feeds mainly on deer but will take smaller prey, such
as rabbits and hares Habitat: Lynx live in forested, mountainous
areas, away from human populations.
Slide 15
European elk (moose) The European elk (known as a moose in the
USA) is found in Northern Europe, Eastern Siberia, Mongolia,
Manchuria, Alaska, Canada and North Eastern USA In the UK? Extinct
in Britain by 900 AD Diet: Herbivorous feeds on twigs, water plants
(summer) and conifer branches (winter) Habitat: Forested areas with
snow cover in winter and preferably swampy ground.
Slide 16
European beaver In the UK? The European beaver was extinct in
England and Wales in the 12th century and in Scotland in the 16th
century. It is now being reintroduced at enclosed sites Diet:
Herbivorous feeds on bark and shoots of trees. Also eats aquatic
vegetation Habitat: Lakes, rivers and wooded areas.
Slide 17
Why do you think animals become endangered and what factors
contribute to them becoming extinct as a species. hunting/culling.
changes to their food source outbreaks of disease declining birth
rates adverse weather destruction of habitat pollution
Slide 18
1changes to the environment 2new predators 3new diseases 4new
competitors.
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Slide 20
The European Beaver has been extinct in Britain since the 16 th
Century. Working with a partner answer the following questions:
What kind of habitat do beavers live in? What do beavers need to
survive in their habitat? What factors do you think led to the
extinction of beavers in Britain? Working with a partner answer the
following questions: What kind of habitat do beavers live in? What
do beavers need to survive in their habitat? What factors do you
think led to the extinction of beavers in Britain?
Slide 21
What kind of habitat do beavers live in? What do beavers need
to survive ? Live in family groups In wetland areas like rivers,
lakes & marshes near woodlands They prefer holes in river banks
They will build lodges of piled logs. They then create
opportunities for other species because of their homes. They are
herbivorous: They eat aquatic plants, grasses ferns, shrubs.
Slide 22
Why did beavers become extinct in Britain? Human Factor: hunted
for their fur, meat and Castoreum. Habitat loss also a contributing
factor. Castoreum Produced in a gland below the beavers tail.
Valued for its alleged medicinal properties and fragrance. Recent
analysis found it contains an acid which is an active ingredient of
aspirin. Castoreum Produced in a gland below the beavers tail.
Valued for its alleged medicinal properties and fragrance. Recent
analysis found it contains an acid which is an active ingredient of
aspirin.
Slide 23
Reintroduction of Beavers In Britain many wildlife conservation
organisations want to reintroduce beavers into our wetlands.
Received with mixed views from the public. Those that do exist tend
to enclose the beavers to prevent them moving freely into
countryside areas. Class Task In pairs consider the attitudes for
and against reintroducing beavers to Britain. Using the cards sort
them into 2 piles. Points that support and points that are
against.
Slide 24
Public views on beaver reintroduction. The answers
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7 = against 5 = for Did you sort them correctly?
Slide 28
Activity You the pupils are the experts. You are going to hold
a meeting about trying to try reintroduce the beaver to Emberton
Country Park. Work in groups of 5. Each group will have a different
perspective which you must get across in the meeting. Use the
reintroduction cards to help support your argument. One person
needs to be the spokes person.
Slide 29
Look at the objectives below give yourself a level based upon
how much you can do you will be asked to prove it! Level 3- Recall
factors that can lead to extinction. Level 4- Define the term
extinction. Level 5- Explain how changes in the environment may
lead to extinctions. Level 6- Explain why some organisms are more
at risk of extinction than others. Level 7- Design a conservation
plan to stop a named organism from becoming extinct
Slide 30
Homework List and state why 3 animals that are endangered or
extinct in Britain today.
