INSTRUCTIONS
Format
- below (See Post #1 and Post #2) to facilitate grading. Be sure to write in your own words. Do not copy and paste material from iNaturalist or any other website to serve as your response. Also, please do not upload your post as a file that requires a download. Thank you in advance.
Steps for Navigation
1. Go to iNaturalist at: http://www.inaturalist.org (You can create an account, but it isn't necessary for this exercise)
2. At the iNaturalist home page, find 'explore' at the top of the page. Click 'explore'. At the explore page, you should see the word 'Observations' and two search fields, one titled 'species' and the other 'location'.
3. In the 'location' field, type in the name of the place where you live. You must enter the correctly spelled city name, comma, and the two-letter state abbreviation (example: Cleveland, OH). A list will drop down showing all of the possibilities of your search. Click on your city. If your city does not show up in the list, you may use your state, but try to use your city or a larger city close to you if possible. If all else fails, use a city that you would like to live in (and specify that in your post).
In the 'species' field, type in any group of organisms you'd like to see for your area ('plants', 'mammals', 'birds', 'insects', 'fungi', 'mosses', etc.). A drop-down menu will appear as you type in the search term, and you can click on that group. Below, you'll see images of recent observations of the organisms that are common the location you've entered. Pretty neat, right?!
4. Now an important step - in the dark gray band that crosses the screen, you'll see 'observations', 'species', 'identifiers' and 'observers'; each word with numbers over it. Click 'species'. After clicking, underneath you'll see all of the species for that group of organisms that are found in the location you've entered, and it is from here that you will select your plants and animals for this activity.
5. Click the organism about which you'd like to post, and you'll be directed to a page where you will see some tabs that say Map, About, Taxonomy, Status (conservation status) and Similar Species. While CSU does prohibit the use of Wikipedia, we are going to allow this information to be used for this exercise only. You'll use these tabs to provide some of the information in your first post. Also, do not use domesticated animals (dogs, cats, goats, cows, houseplants, landscaping plants, etc.) for this activity.
Post #1:
1. Now that you are familiar with how to navigate, choose 1 animal and 1 plant from your area. Give us your location (city/county is fine), the common name, genus and species name (i.e. Western Honey Bee - Apis mellifera) and tell us why you chose to report on that animal and plant. Be sure to select an organism for which there is a species-level ID (i.e. not just genus). Again, please avoid domesticated plants or animals. Introduced or invasive species may be used however, but that will need to be indicated.
2. Next, answer the following in your own words and in complete sentences:
a.) What is the geographic distribution for this species (based on information at iNaturalist)?
b.) Is this species vulnerable or critically imperiled anywhere in its range? If so, where?
c.) Are there any similar species for which this one may be mistaken? If so, which one(s)?
3. Lastly, provide at least two interesting facts for each of your chosen organisms that may or may not appear on iNaturalist. Feel free to use the internet and be sure to provide your sources of information in your post.
NOTE: If your organism is lacking in information, choose another organism. Some just won't have much information available.
Post II (Second and Subsequent Posts) - Be sure to follow instructions on this part!
INSTRUCTIONS
Part II response is to the following post of a student:
I am in Orlando and I chose the Common Raccoon - Procyon lotor. I chose this animal because I always see raccoons in trash cans or on the street but I don't know much about them.
Geographic distribution
This animal is native to North America but in the mid 20th century they started to distribute in central Europe, Caucasus, and Japan.
Vulnerable or critically imperiled ?
Raccoons are neither vulnerable or critically imperiled but they do prefer prey that is easier to catch with their hands such as crayfish, insects, fish, amphibians, and bird eggs.
Can this animal be mistaken ?
The raccoon has so many features that are easy to know what kind of animal it is. Their eyes have black fur all around them so it looks like it has a burglars mask on, they can stand on their feet, and their ringed tail.
2 interesting facts
- The word raccoon means " animal that scratches with its hands"
- Raccoons are known to be able to solve complex puzzles.
The plant I chose was a Lilac Tasselflower - Emilia sonchifolia. I chose this plant because I used to see this flower everywhere growing up but now I don't see them at all anymore.
Geographic distribution
It is native to Asia, China, India, Southeast Asia, and naturalized in Africa, Australia, and North and South America.
Vulnerable or critically imperiled ?
This flower is noninvasive but in some cotton areas it is classifies as the most problematic weeds. This flower can decrease the weight of lettuce by 70%, mustard cabbage by 30%, and tomatoes by 18%.
Can this flower be mistaken ?
There is no other plant that can be mistaken as the Lilac Tasselflower.
2 interesting facts
- This flower can be multiple colors purple, scarlet, red, pink, orange, white, and lilac.
- This flower can grow anywhere from sea level to 1000 meters.