Wetland Habitats 2: Activities

 WETLAND HABITATS 2: Activities

Activity 1. Habitat presentation

There are seven major habitats that make up the Top End wetlands and their immediate surroundings. Divide the class into seven groups, one for each habitat, with the objective of having each group prepare an oral report on the significant features of the chosen habitats. Audio tapes or visual displays can support your oral report, and a summary or outline should be available to the class and your teacher.

The groups' main task will be to research the species mentioned in the habitat descriptions and from the accumulated data, produce an account of how the ecosystems in the habitats function. Place emphasis on the interrelationships between the various organisms and the effects of the wetlands environment on habits and lifestyle. Construct flow charts and food webs to illustrate the processes at work and the individual species involved.

Discuss the strategies your group will adopt in presenting the habitat report. This could be a major assignment that will bring together the various principles of wetland ecology. The sum total of all groups' presentations will emphasise the importance of wetlands as a vital element of the national estate.

Activity 2. Animal groups of the wetlands

Form a new set of seven groups representing the following:

mammals                        birds                        snakes            lizards

turtles & crocodiles        fishes                       frogs & invertebrates

Members pass on information about the representatives of their animal group that appeared in the different habitats. The group's task is to construct a chart or table showing food preferences, methods of obtaining food, use of space within the habitat (what part of the habitat does the animal use for resting, feeding, breeding?), and time of day when most active.

Discuss the charts when all are completed. What can be learned about the way animals behave in order to avoid unnecessary competition? What bearing does this behaviour have on the efficient exploitation of a habitat's resources?