Week 5 Assignment 1: Animal Survival

Instructions

References and Citations: Integrate in-text citations from you learning materials and any outside credible sources you used. Include full citations in a reference list at the end of the assignment.

Find either a photo or a video of an animal utilizing a primary or secondary defense. Along with the photo or video list the following information:

1. Video Link or Photo
2. Source of Video or Photo
3. Animal
4. Primary or Secondary Defense?
5. Name of Defense Strategy
6. Now that you have listed an example of a defense strategy, write a paper about the Red Queen Hypothesis. This paper does not need to focus on the same defense strategy you previously described, although it can as long as that strategy is an example of the Red Queen Hypothesis. Your paper should be between 250-500 words and include the following:
7. Evolution & Adaptation : Although animals have some amazing defenses, predators can also evolve mechanisms that counteract these defenses. Describe what is meant by the Red Queen Hypothesis and provide one example of this (either in the animal you shared above or in a different animal). How does the Red Queen Hypothesis relate to animal evolution and adaptation?
8. Connecting Concepts : Throughout this class you have learned that behavior can be complex. Some behaviors can be innate and other behaviors can be learned and impacted by life experience. End your paper with an explanation of how that animals behavior may be impacted by their (1) evolutionary history, (2) environment (such as habitat or resource distribution), and (3) life experience (such as living in captive or wild conditions). Reflect on how these 3 factors may interact to produce behavior and how behavior may increase an individuals fitness.

This assignment draws on your video lecture and your required reading on Foraging and Antipredator Behavior for this week.

This assignment provides you with experience evaluating animal behavior and connecting course concepts, an important skill for your .

Rubric

Week 5 Assignment: Animal Survival

Week 5 Assignment: Animal Survival

CriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Animal Defense Information

-Shares one example of an animal defense with the relevant information including a photo or video, if it is a primary or secondary defense, and the name of the specific strategy.

-Integrates in-text citations from Learning Materials and/or credible/peer-reviewed sources and includes a full reference at the bottom of the assignment.

5 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Paper Write-Up

-Explains, in detail, what is meant by the Red Queen Hypothesis

-Provides an example, and details its significance in animal evolution.

-Thoroughly connects the concepts of how evolution, environment, and life experience impact animal behavior and fitness.

-Integrates in-text citations from Learning Materials and/or credible/peer-reviewed sources and includes a full reference at the bottom of the assignment.

10 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Formatting

Formats per instructions

2 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Clarity of Communication

Clearly communicates written and/or spoken ideas using grammar, spelling, and terminology effective for the discipline and target audience

3 pts

Total Points: 20

APA 7th generation citations