There are 4 main goals of this WebQuest:
- Learn about major geological events
- Compare and contrast a selection of living organisms
- Assess and justify links of geological events to biodeversity
- Identify how and why phylogeography is used in current research
To accomplish these tasks information will be provided throughout this WebQuest, as well, links to more indepth research will be provided. It is expected that a thorough understanding of the topic will be achieved, as well as the ability to converse meaningfully about phylogeography and its implications.
Phylogeography requires a multidisciniplanary approach, and as such completing this WebQuest will require you to think in a 'big-picture' way. One suggestion might be to break apart the meaning of phylogeography into the following keywords and use them in your search for information and understanding throughout the WebQuest. Try searching through the web, or textbooks you may have on hand with the words individually or group a couple together. You will come accross a wide variety of information at all levels of comprehension, plenty of which require subscriptions to online scientific journals. Check if your school has a student account as this will greatly enhance your learning experience.
phylogeography; biogeography; biodiversity; geological events; comparative biogeography; comparitive phylogeography;
From there, you can hyperlink around to more information. The links provided in the Process section have been reviewed and contain quick and relevant paths to information on the topics mentioned.
Take a look at the picture of the Huangshan mountain in China and click here for a video to get you in the mood to explore diverse geographical locations and the sometimes exotic species of life found there (if you feel like it keep selecting 'next' until you have seen all the short video clips!) !!
Sunrise on Huangshan Mountain, Anhui, China, © 2007 husar
Information on the Internet
- A Paleoceanographic Summary A history of the geological epochs, with a focus on ocean formation
- Important events in the history of life An interactive timeline illustrating important events in history
- Gondwana Greening (pdf) Illustrated, comprehensive overview of major epochs, phylogeography, biodiversity and interesting bits of information
- Chameleon Biogeography Takes an Ocean Cruise An alternative viewpoint for the origin of chameleons is presented
- A Truly Bizarre Lizard Brief description and fossil evidence for chameleons
- Chameleon News Updated regularly, this online magazine features articles on all things chameleon
- What makes a petal a petal? An introduction to flower petals and an informative source for information on their evolutionary adaptations
- Nova: Mother of Gardens Click on the hyperlink 'launch interactive' and learn about a selection of common flowers that originated in China
- In Search of the First Flower A scientific article illustrating what may be considered one of the very first flowering plants discovered to date
- The Life of Birds: Evolution A very comprehensive look at the history and evolution of birds.
- Coral Reefs of the Indo-Pacific Here you will find a selection of literature on coral reefs and their geographical distribution as well as phylogeographical considerations.
- History of Biogeography A vivid description of biogeography and its history