Activity: What does the data tell us? – Missouri River Bird Observatory

Lesson List

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.

Activity: What does the data tell us?

Activity Summary: In this activity you will examine real-life nest monitoring data from the Missouri River Bird Observatory’s Grassland Nest Monitoring Project. You will learn how to interpret graphs and tables as well as use this information to construct a scientific explanation for how environmental factors influence the growth of organisms.