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GOAL: Research a specific animal vertebrate of your choice and write a paper describing in detail the attributes that define it as a living entity. Life is described as sharing these characteristics: made up of units called cells, has the ability to reproduce, is based on a universal genetic code, must obtain and use energy, responds to an environment, maintains a stable internal environment and, as a group, changes over time.

The research paper will be written in the following format:
Typed 12 point, professional style font (Times Roman, Calibri, or Arial)
Double-spaced  1’’ margins
Numbered pages; bottom-right side of page.
Sectioned centered headings; section the paper with headings such as; abstract, introduction, etc.
Use the CBE Style format for all citations and the bibliography. A CBE Style Guide is available in Blackboard  Handouts.

The paper will have a minimum of 12 body paragraphs in the paper, each identified by the following Section Headings provided:

1. Abstract: The first paragraph will be an ‘abstract’ paragraph. This paragraph should be between 8-10 sentences and will briefly but clearly describe and summarize the main points of the research paper. (Helpful hint: write this after you’ve written the paper! It’s easier to summarize what you’ve written after you’ve already written it.)

2. Introduction: The introduction, like the abstract, will tell the reader what the research paper is about. Unlike the abstract, the introduction is more narrowly focused than the abstract and should intrigue the audience to read further. (Helpful Hint: again, write this after you’ve written the paper. You’ll know more about what you’re introducing.)

3. Classification: Life is based on a universal genetic code; how is the organism classified? (Make a list, like the one below, in the beginning of the report…after the title, abstract and introduction.)
Common Name:
Scientific Name (in italics):
Taxonomy:
1. Kingdom:
2. Phylum:
3. Class:
4. Order:
5. Family:
6. Genus:
7. species:

-Location/Range: (Where would I go to see one?)
-Map of distribution: (Cut and paste a global map or regional map with a key that depicts the population range.)

4. Anatomy: Describe how the organism is structured? For example, color, body structure, eye development, fur pattern, etc.

5. Physiology: Life maintains some sort of stable, internal environment. What is the internal environment of this organism like? For example, endothermic/ectothermic/homeothermic? Describe how it feeds? Is it a predator, herbivore, or omnivore? How does it respire?

6. Reproduction: Life has the ability to reproduce; what reproduction strategies and methods does the organism use to successfully reproduce?

7. Development and Behavior: Life grows and develops; what is the life cycle, growth stages, migration, intelligence, behavior and longevity of the organism?

8. Ecology: Life must obtain energy or materials for energy; what role does the organism play in the cycle of energy? What are its predators/prey? Are there other organisms in ecosystem that influence it? What is its food source/diet?

9. Habitat: Life responds to its environment; what is the environment of the organism like? Include a description of its habitat and abiotic factors that affect its habitat such as geographic range, latitude, depth, salinity, temperatures where applicable.

10. Natural History: As a group, life changes over time. What is the natural history and fossil evidence of the organism? How has it changed over time? What are its ancestors?

11. Other (Create a special heading name here): Anything else? (For example: what is the relationship to humans? Are there any political or environmental issues involved with this organism? Is there anything special or unique to add about this organism that is not covered in the other paragraphs?

12. Conclusion: Summarize the paper, highlighting the specific characteristics that make the organism unique.  What new research do you propose for this organism?  Speculate how this new research will influence the future.

-Use Proper Citations – all information obtained for the paper must be properly cited throughout the paper using the CBE Style Guide.

-Bibliography—At the end of the report, attach a list of works cited titled Bibliography and using the CBE Style format. Use sources such as the Internet, scientific journals, scientific articles, and books. You must use at least 5 – 7 credible sources. Do not use Wikipedia as a work cited