Senior Science

Mentone

Melbourne Zoo

On Monday 24 May over 100 students who are studying Unit 1 Biology travelled to the Melbourne Zoo to explore adaptations and survival of species. When we think of extinction we often consider the plight of the elephants, tigers, mammoths and rhinoceroses. Right here in Victoria two species are facing extinction due to considerable changes to their environments. 

 

Our students observed two such species: the southern corrobboree frog and the orange lacewing butterfly. Understanding how these organisms interact with their captive environment informs researchers how to create habitats that encourage survival and breeding in their natural habitat. 

 

Students used the surveying method to identify certain behavioural, structural and physiological adaptations of the butterflies and frogs. Experiential learning is a highly valuable education tool and we are looking forward to working with the zoo’s ‘Fighting Extinction’ program in the not too distant future. 

 

 

 

Amy Ross

Biology Teacher