Unit 1: Reproduction
Description
This unit will explore the topics of natural selection, bird vocalizations, courtship rituals and mating displays, nesting, and how reproductive success is measured.
In this unit students will not only be able to construct explanations and interpret data, but also understand more about the ecology of birds and begin “thinking like a bird” in terms of habitat and resource needs.
Topics for this course
30 Lessons
Lesson 1: How is it the way it is?
Topic: Introduction to Natural Selection
Theme: Organisms with traits better suited to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.
Lesson 2: Why does the songbird sing?
Topic: Bird Songs vs Calls
Theme: A bird species’ song and calls have different characteristics and serve different purposes to enhance survival and reproduction.
Lesson 3: Wait… birds have dance battles?
Topic: Courtship Rituals and Mating Displays
Theme: The courtship rituals and mating displays of birds are not only entertaining, but also teach us how natural selection can produce unique behaviors and physical features.
Lesson 4: How does one make a nest?
Topic: Bird Nesting and the Nest Cycle
Themes: Nests are important structures for young survival. Nest types and materials vary widely depending on species and habitat.
Lesson 5: How is reproductive success measured?
Topic: MRBO Nest Monitoring Project
Themes: One way we can measure reproductive success is by measuring nesting success. We can use long-term nest monitoring data to see how specific factors may increase or decrease nest success.
Free
