RAT ISLANDS An Exploration in Speciation. RAT ISLANDS The year was 800 A.D. Early Egyptian explores were beginning to set sail in search of new lands.

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Presentation transcript:

RAT ISLANDS An Exploration in Speciation

RAT ISLANDS The year was 800 A.D. Early Egyptian explores were beginning to set sail in search of new lands and treasures. Because of the supplies of food and grain often stored on ships, rats were common stowaways. One fateful voyage ended tragically when a great storm caused a ship to crash into some rocks.

RAT ISLANDS All the humans aboard the ship lost their lives. The stowaway rats however, managed to cling to wreckage of the ship and float to a group of nearby islands. Once ashore, the rats were stranded. Unable to have contact rats on any neighboring islands, the surviving rats were isolated.

It is now present day The islands have been discovered Scientists are interested in researching the variety of life found on these living laboratories The rats have evolved over the last several hundred years Their evolution has resulted from environmental factors: Food Water Predator/prey Reproductive success Nesting areas

Island A The island is fairly flat, with an occasional hill. The ground is soft dirt, and several species of shrubs grow towards the center of the island. There is no animal life on land; but the water is teaming with fish. The island is surrounded by a coral reef which keeps the predators out. The shore is sandy with no algal growth. Fresh water is available.

Island B The island has a rocky shoreline. Numerous tide pools dot the island along the shore where the wave action is somewhat sheltered by rock outcrops. The tide pools host barnacles, chitons, abalone, sea urchins and crabs. Algae grows all around the island; however, it is quite sparse in the tide pools where the various animals feed. The current is quite strong along the rocky outcrops where the algae grows best. Fresh water is available.

Island C The island is somewhat barren. A few species of cactus thrive on the bare rocks. A large cactus- eating tortoise inhabits the island. A species of very large bird nest on the island annually. They build their nests on the rocks, and protect their eggs from the sun by standing over the nests with outspread wings. The nests are always found on the windy side of the island which is somewhat cooled by offshore breezes.

Island D The island is an extinct volcano. Vegetation on the island changes with the altitude moving up the volcano. Grasses grow at the base. Further up the slope the grasses give way to low shrubs. Half way up, the island becomes quite lush; tropical plants and trees dominate the landscape. At this altitude, the island experiences frequent rain showers. There are two species of birds that inhabit the island. One is a raptor which preys upon the smaller birds. The other fishes the waters approximately one mile offshore. Both nest in trees.

Island E The island is primarily characterized by its year round, abnormal, weather…SNOW. Below drifting snow is a layer of permafrost. The only vegetation is a short growing shrub that produces juicy red berries quarterly. The snow and ice form drifts and caverns across the island. Often times, large ice cycles hang perilously over the cave entrances. This island also serves as a breeding ground for polar bears.