The Niche Project

Honors Biology, Periods 3 and 5Due Monday April 4, 2011

What to include:• Pick an organism. Identify and describe it including its scientific

name• Describe its ecological niche• Is it a consumer or producer?• Is it an herbivore, carnivore, omnivore?• What does it eat?• What is its habitat?• What biotic and abiotic factors affect the organism’s survival,

population growth and density.• How does it interact and coexist with other organisms within its

community (including its environment)?• Include a picture either drawn, photo or internet source.• Include a bibliography/reference list of your information source.• Type your report using Arial font size 12 and double space. Spell

check your report.• 10 points extra credit if you do a power point or poster board

presentation. (If PPT, bring on a flash drive. Plan to present in class on April 4, 2011.

Example:American Red Squirrel - (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)

REPORT FORMAT Example:• The Squirrels• There are three species of squirrel native to Prince Edward Island. All three are quite common,

though the red squirrel is easiest to spot, since it is active during the daytime throughout the year. Each species of squirrel has its own niche and its own charm

• Identification:• The common red squirrel is the largest of our squirrels, with a long-tail and fur that is dark above

and light below. In winter the rusty colour seems very bright, while in the summer the colour darkens noticeably. It is one of our best-known mammals, whether it is raiding bird feeders for sunflower seeds and peanuts, or in the woods scolding visitors. What's a walk in an Island forest without meeting a red squirrel high above on a branch, stamping its foot and trying to drive you out of its territory. They really make the woods seem alive. While this might seem like aggression, they are just as likely to come down and bum some food if you happen to be eating a cookie or peanuts.

• Habitat:• Though ideally suited for forest life, being quick, agile climbers, red squirrels can be nuisances

around homes. They think nothing of using an attic for a den, or digging holes under your house to store winter food. Red squirrels are very adaptable, at home in coniferous forests but able to thrive just about anywhere. They prefer to nest in tree cavities but will sometimes live in rotted stumps or piles of stones.

• Feeding:• Red squirrels are known as seed and nut eaters - everything from balsam fir seeds to beaked

hazelnuts and acorns. They will also eat insects, fruit, fungi and birds eggs, and spend much of their time storing food. In good years, they put away far more than they can eat, spreading seed throughout a wide area.

• THIS IS JUST AN EXAMPLE AND DOES NOT INCLUDE ALL OF THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO PUT ON YOUR REPORT. USE THE CLASS HANDOUT FOR WHAT YOU NEED TO INCLUDE IN YOUR REPORT!