Do Now
[Link] is the average duration of the long Impact of Mating Calls on Reproductive Success in Field Crickets
mating call, and how does it compare to the
short mating call?
[Link] do the average temperatures during the
observations relate to the reproductive
success of the crickets?
[Link] conclusions can you draw about the
importance of mating calls to the reproductive
success of field crickets based on the data
provided?
I. Video- How does
the stalk eye fly
help to increase its
reproductive success?
Research Question: What affects an organism’s
probability of successful reproduction?
1) Task: You will be participating in a debate to engage in an argument to
evaluate the evidence on your slides. In your debate you must discuss
evidence from each slide! (every animal should be discussed in your
evidence)
2) A graphic organizer has been included for you to fill out as you prepare for
your debate. Fill out the research question and evidence section as you read
the information.
3) Then create your claim and your reasoning.
4) Follow up with at least 2 additional research questions that come to mind.
Slide 1- Spiders
Spiders and hairy
and their their Hairy
legs Legs
Spidey senses
Have you ever seen a spider with ears? Well, no (that would actually look funny!)
That’s because spiders use hairs on their legs to listen! They don’t have a nose or a
tongue either. To smell and taste, spiders also use their hairs. So spiders can feel,
listen, smell and taste with their hairy legs. Some spiders can also use their hairs to
grip onto a very flat surface – this is why you see spiders walking happily across a
window, a ceiling or high up on a wall. (Just like spiderman).
Actually, not all spiders can do that. Only the ones that have special Spiderman-
hairs on their feet can do it. These Spiderman-hairs are tiny and have even tinier
hairs on them – hairs on hairs. These hairs are helpful with their survival rate and
therefore their reproductive rate.
Show-off spiders
Spiders can be quite colorful. The peacock spider’s colors come from special hairs
on its legs and body and they are used to impress other peacock spider mates and
find a partner. The peacock spider boy waves his colored hairy legs in a funky dance
to tell the spider girl, “I am the best guy you’ll ever find”. Such a show-off! Here’s
how they look when they dance (check out the video). The females look for the
hairiest legged spider and the best dancer to mate with. These qualities in a spider
are seen as strong and healthy.
Slide 2- Peacocks and their plumage
Peacocks are famous for their stunning, colorful feathers that are
essential for attracting mates. When a male peacock spreads its
tail, or "train," it showcases a beautiful display of blues, greens,
and other vibrant colors that can catch the eye of potential
partners. This display is not just for show; it signals to female
peacocks that the male is healthy and strong. In nature, animals
with striking features often have better chances of reproducing
because these traits indicate good genes. For example, a female
peacock may choose a mate based on the brightness and size of
his plumage, believing that a more impressive tail means he can
survive better in the wild. Understanding how these specialized
structures, like the peacock's plumage, influence reproductive
success helps us see the connection between appearance and
attraction in the animal kingdom.
Slide 3- Deer and Antlers
Deer antlers play a crucial role in the reproductive
success of male deer, especially during the mating
season, known as the rut. These antlers are not just
impressive in size and shape; they serve as a display
of strength and health. When male deer, called bucks,
grow large antlers, they signal to females, or does,
that they are strong and capable mates. This helps
attract females who are looking for a partner to help
ensure the survival of their offspring. Additionally,
during fights with other males for dominance and
mating rights, larger antlers can give a buck an
advantage, allowing it to win battles and secure a
better chance of mating. Thus, the size and condition
of antlers are essential indicators of a buck's fitness,
directly influencing its reproductive success.