As you have learned throughout this unit, we are surrounded by amazing biodiversity on both a local and global scale. This great diversity exists due to evolutionary and ecological processes that continue to shape our world today. As a reminder, you have explored the following topics in this unit:
- How urban environments function
- How local wildlife species are impacted by urbanization
- How invasive species affect native species and local ecosystems
- How urban trees sequester carbon
- How to be a community scientist
In this assignment, you will write an essay that demonstrates what you have learned over the past several weeks.
Please note: this assignment requires doing additional research as you will need to identify a minimum of two credible sources as evidence to support your argument.
Assessment Details
Write a 500-600 word essay based on only one of the prompts below.
- People are taking to social media sites (like Nextdoor) to share concerns and sightings of urban wildlife. Some people are frightened by urban wildlife and have called for the trapping and killing of urban wildlife in Pasadena.Links to an external site. What are the benefits of urban wildlife in your community? How might you respond to the people in Pasadena who have called for the trapping and killing of urban wildlife in Pasadena?
- The City of Los Angeles is proposing a wildlife ordinance Links to an external site.that would require homeowners in zoned wildlife areas to conform to certain building standards to better protect LA's urban wildlife. First, read the LA Times Editorial (linked here in Canvas or read at the PCC LibraryLinks to an external site.), and then in your essay discuss if Pasadena/Altadena should adopt a matching ordinance. Why or why not?
In your essay, be sure to include some concrete information about the biology that was covered in this unit, explaining either how and/or why this information is relevant to you. Make your essay personal! Additionally, you must do additional research to identify at least two reputable sources to support your writing. If you choose to utilize generative AI, be sure to provide an appropriate citation.
Note: AI does not count towards the minimum reputable sources.
To do well on this assignment, be sure to...
- explain relevant biological processes from the course and how they relate to your reflection.
- choose a minimum of two credible sources and elaborate on how each of these sources supports your stance/argument.
- make a personal connection and explain how this topic is relevant to you, your family, or your community.
- use plain language. Your target audience is your peers — as such, define any terminology outside the scope of this course.
Grading
To see how this assignment will be graded, scroll down to view the grading rubric. If no rubric is visible, click on the three dots in the upper right corner of this page, then click "Show Rubric". If you're reviewing this assignment using the Canvas mobile app, the rubric is included in the Grade tab.
While I am not specifically grading you on your spelling or grammar, scientific communication is an important skill. Please proofread and spellcheck before posting/submitting to ensure that your ideas come across clearly. Up to 10% may be deducted for excessive grammar and spelling errors that affect the readability of your work. Additionally, please ensure you meet the minimum word requirement. There is a 10% deduction for every 50 words short of the minimum word count.