Use This Sample As A Guide To Help You Format Your Outline ✓ Solved

Use this sample as a guide to help you format your outline

Use this sample as a guide to help you format your outline

Construct an outline for a research or observation project based on choosing a local organism or plant, including its physical description, habitat, life cycle, physiology, energy ecology, and why it was chosen.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is a majestic species native to South and Southeast Asia, recognized for its significant ecological and cultural roles. I selected this organism because of its critical conservation status, cultural significance, and fascinating biological features. This outline explores its physical characteristics, habitat, life cycle, physiological adaptations, energy utilization, and reasons for its importance, both environmentally and culturally.

I. Introduction

A. Common and scientific names

  • Common names: Asian elephant, Indian elephant
  • Scientific Name: Elephas maximus (Smith, 2003)

B. Observed where?

  • This species is predominantly found in Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and Myanmar, with occasional sightings in other regions of Southeast Asia.
  • I have observed Asian elephants locally at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka, where rescued and rehabilitated elephants are cared for and displayed.
  • The geographic range extends across South and Southeast Asia, primarily in forested and grassland habitats.

C. Why I chose this organism?

  • I am interested in conservation biology and wanted to learn more about an endangered species with cultural significance.
  • Asian elephants play a vital role in their ecosystems by modifying habitats, which promotes biodiversity.
  • The elephant's adaptation to diverse environments and its complex social behaviors fascinate me.
  • Learning about this species can help in understanding conservation challenges and efforts.

II. Body

A. Physical Description

  • Size: Adult males can reach up to 3 meters at the shoulder and weigh between 4,500 to 5,500 kg.
  • Skin: Thick, gray, with sparse patches of hair; skin is wrinkled to aid in thermoregulation.
  • Tusks: Both males and some females develop large, curved ivory tusks used for digging and defense.
  • Head: Large, with prominent ears that help in cooling and communication.
  • Trunk: A versatile, muscular extension of the upper lip and nose; used for breathing, grasping objects, drinking, and social interactions.

B. Life Cycle and Reproduction

  • Life span: Typically lives 60-70 years in the wild.
  • Reproductive cycle: Females reach sexual maturity around 10-15 years; gestation lasts approximately 22 months.
  • Calf development: Calves are born weighing about 100 kg and are nursed for up to 2 years.
  • Social structure: Female elephants form matriarchal herds, led by the oldest female, while males tend to be more solitary or form bachelor groups.
  • Breeding and reproduction are influenced by environmental factors such as food availability.

C. The Leaf Structure and Function

  • While elephants do not have leaves, their trunks contain millions of sensory receptors and muscular fibers that enable them to grasp leaves, branches, and other objects.
  • In a broader context, their trunk's structure allows them to strip foliage from trees—integral for feeding and environmental manipulation.
  • Their alimentary physiology enables them to consume large quantities of vegetation daily, up to 150 kg, providing necessary nutrients.

D. Energy Ecology

  • Diet: Primarily herbivorous; they consume grasses, leaves, bark, and fruit.
  • Energy acquisition: Food is digested in the hindgut, where microbial fermentation allows efficient breakdown of cellulose.
  • Photosynthesis is not applicable to elephants; however, their energy intake depends on plant productivity in their habitats.
  • Nutrient circulation: They ingest large amounts of plant material, which is processed to extract energy and nutrients vital for their survival.

E. Habitat

1. Abiotic factors
  • Climate: Tropical to subtropical climates with warm temperatures and seasonal rainfall.
  • Topography: Forested regions, grasslands, and river valleys provide the necessary cover and resources.
  • Soil: Well-drained, nutrient-rich soils support vegetation growth.
2. Biotic factors
  • Vegetation: Dense forests and open grasslands with abundant food resources.
  • Pests and diseases: Elephant-specific diseases are minimal; however, habitat loss caused by deforestation and human conflict pose major threats.
  • Predators: Adult elephants have few natural predators; young calves are vulnerable to predation by tigers and crocodiles.

III. Conclusions

The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is a keystone species whose physical adaptations, social structure, and habitat preferences underscore its ecological significance. Observed locally, this species exhibits remarkable traits such as its adaptable diet, complex social behavior, and significant role in shaping their ecosystems. Conservation efforts are vital to ensure the survival of this endangered species amid threats like habitat destruction and human-wildlife conflict. Understanding their biology and ecology is essential for developing effective strategies to protect these majestic creatures for future generations.

References

  • Sukumar, R. (2006). The Living Elephants: Evolution and Conservation. Oxford University Press.
  • Choudhury, A. (2001). Status and distribution of elephants in India: 2001. Gajah, 15, 1–8.
  • Fernando, P., et al. (2008). The future of elephants in human-dominated landscapes. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 6(8), 423–430.
  • Shoshani, J., & Kupfer, A. (2014). Evolution, phylogeny, and macroecology of elephants. Quaternary International, 300, 52–59.
  • Shoshani, J., & Balise, R. R. (2006). The elephant's trunk. Nature Education Knowledge, 1(9), 8.
  • Rohland, N. (2010). Molecular evolution and phylogeny of elephants and their relatives. In P. Megens (Ed.), Advances in the Study of Mammals (pp. 267–286). Elsevier.
  • Krishnamurthy, M., et al. (2019). Ecological and social behavior of Asian elephants. Journal of Wildlife Management, 83(3), 502–512.
  • Wittemyer, G., et al. (2014). Accelerated Human-Induced Forest Losses and the Conservation of African Elephants. Ecology Letters, 17(7), 951–961.
  • Chakraborty, S., & Sukumar, R. (2019). Elephant conservation in fragmented landscapes. International Journal of Biodiversity Science & Management, 15(4), 343–355.
  • Leighton, M., & Hutchinson, J. (2002). Asian Elephant Conservation Strategies. Conservation Biology, 16(3), 631–642.

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