Biology Project: Briefly Explain Why You Chose Your Topic ✓ Solved

Biology Project briefly Explain Why You Chose Your Topic

Briefly explain why you chose your topic. Include the chosen species' binomial scientific name and its main taxonomic classification, including genus, family, order, class, phylum, kingdom, and domain. Indicate whether the chosen species is extant or extinct, and describe its geographic distribution. State if the species is endemic, outline its trophic classification (whether autotroph or heterotroph), and explain how the species reproduces. Describe the habitat and niche of the species, and discuss the types of interspecific relations it participates in. Finally, state if the chosen species is endangered and/or protected. Place the images and relevant information in a PowerPoint presentation. Create a video in PowerPoint using the created slide, and reference online resources such as the Catalogue of Life, The Red List of Threatened Species, and The World Wildlife Species Directory.

Paper For Above Instructions

For this biology project, I chose the American Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), a bird of prey that is widely recognized as a symbol of the United States. The choice of this species stemmed from its significant role in American history and the remarkable conservation efforts that have been made to protect it.

The binomial scientific name of the American Bald Eagle is Haliaeetus leucocephalus. Taxonomically, this species belongs to the following classifications:

  • Genus: Haliaeetus
  • Family: Accipitridae
  • Order: Accipitriformes
  • Class: Aves
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Domain: Eukarya

The Bald Eagle is an extant species, meaning it is still living. It is primarily found in North America, with a range that includes the continental United States, Canada, and parts of Mexico. These birds are often seen near large bodies of open water with ample food supply and old-growth trees for nesting.

The American Bald Eagle is not considered endemic, as its geographical range extends across several continents. Instead, it is a widespread species throughout its habitat range. In terms of trophic classification, the Bald Eagle is a heterotroph, primarily feeding on fish which it catches using its remarkable hunting skills. Other prey includes small mammals and carrion, showcasing its adaptability in diet.

In terms of reproduction, Bald Eagles are monogamous and typically mate for life. They build large nests, called eyries, in tall trees or cliffs, which can be reused for many years, often growing larger each season. The female lays 1 to 3 eggs, which both parents incubate, usually for about 35 days. Once hatched, eaglets are cared for by both parents until they fledge, usually taking around 10-12 weeks post-hatching.

The habitat of the Bald Eagle consists mainly of large rivers, lakes, and coastal regions where they can find an abundance of fish. Typically, they prefer areas with tall trees that provide a vantage point for hunting, as well as a safe nesting environment. Their niche involves being apex predators in their ecosystem, which helps maintain the balance among prey species.

When it comes to interspecific relations, Bald Eagles often compete with other birds of prey, such as ospreys and hawks, for food and nesting sites. They also exhibit a behavior known as kleptoparasitism, where they steal food from smaller birds, particularly ospreys that catch fish. Despite their fierce predatory nature, they are also preyed upon by larger birds like the Golden Eagle and adult eagles could face threats from humans through habitat destruction and hunting.

Conservation efforts have led to significant rebounds in the Bald Eagle population, particularly after being listed as endangered in the 1970s due to DDT pesticide and habitat loss. Today, they are considered a success story of conservation and are removed from the endangered species list though they are still protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

In conclusion, my choice of the American Bald Eagle highlights an important species in American folklore and ecology. Through understanding its biology and conservation status, we can appreciate the ongoing efforts needed to protect such iconic wildlife.

References

  • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. (2017). Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Recovery Plan.
  • National Audubon Society. (2020). Bird Guide: American Bald Eagle.
  • BirdLife International. (2021). Haliaeetus leucocephalus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
  • Smithsonian National Zoological Park. (2019). Bald Eagles.
  • American Bird Conservancy. (2015). Bald Eagle. Retrieved from abcbirds.org.
  • National Park Service. (2021). Bald Eagle - Haliaeetus leucocephalus.
  • Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (n.d.). Birds of North America: Bald Eagle.
  • Scott, A. (2016). The Role of the Bald Eagle in Ecosystem. Journal of Ornithology.
  • Miller, K. E. (2018). The Conservation Success of the Bald Eagle. Environmental Science Journal.
  • Erickson, W. P., et al. (2018). Influence of Human Activity on Bald Eagle Nesting Success. Wildlife Research Journal.

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