Teaching animal habitat selection using wildlife tracking equipment

Science Activities
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Abstract

We present a hands-on outdoor activity coupled with classroom discussion to teach students about wildlife habitat selection, the process by which animals choose where to live. By selecting locations or habitats with many benefits (e.g., food, shelter, mates) and few costs (e.g., predators), animals improve their ability to survive and reproduce. Biologists track animal movement using radio telemetry technology to study habitat selection so they can better provide species with habitats that promote population growth. We present a curriculum in which students locate “animals” (transmitters) using radio telemetry equipment and apply math skills (use of fractions and percentages) to assess their “animal's” habitat selection by comparing the availability of habitat types with the proportion of “animals” they find in each habitat type.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Teaching animal habitat selection using wildlife tracking equipment
Series title Science Activities
DOI 10.1080/00368121.2016.1211080
Volume 53
Issue 4
Year Published 2016
Language English
Publisher Taylor & Francis
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Seattle
Description 8 p.
First page 147
Last page 154
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