In this project you will look at a particular animal group, for example
dolphins, sharks, horses, etc. and explore why there are several species
within that group. What happened in the evolutionary scale to cause species
to break apart? You will write a two page evaluation of environmental
pressures, genetic variation, and survival for at least three specific
species.
After we discuss the individual evaluations in class, you will break into
groups of three and create a completely new species with an explanation of
how it came to be. This is your opportunity to be creative. After you have
brainstormed and make a color drawing of your animal, your group will write
a similar report as if the species really existed. You may choose a new
species that fits in with the group you previously wrote about, or you can
pick a new one entirely.
