Zoo Observations and Analysts

TO DO:
1. Visit a zoo with at least one kind of prosimian, one kind of monkey and one kind of ape – if completing the assignment using “Live Cam footage” (which is A-OK), one, two or three different zoos can be visited. You will be observing one of each primate type for a minimum of 20 minutes each (total observation time for all three is at least 60 minutes – if using Live Camera footage, you may need to watch a bit longer and/or combine observations from more than one attempt – while a couple of minutes of a primate being out of sight is acceptable, half or more of the observation period with no primates to observe is not; start early).
Record the common name and scientific name of each species. For example, Patas Monkey – Erthyrocebus patas: Erthyrocebus is the genus and patas is the species.  You may need to look up the genus and species name – it’s easy!  Google the common name, for example, “Sumatran orangutan”…

Some IN-PERSON zoos may lack one type of primate, so it is okay to do two of one sort; for instance, the Santa Barbara Zoo currently lacks prosimians, so you could do two monkeys and one ape OR two apes and one monkey.  ONLY do this if the zoo does not have one of the three kinds.  If the zoo has all three kinds and you do not observe one of each, you will be marked down.  If for some reason the zoo is supposed to have them and an exhibit is closed, then please say so in your write-up.  Please be proactive.
2. Next…observe each type of primate for at least 20 minutes, record the behaviors you observe and tally the precentages of time spent in each behavior. For example, for locomotor habits, “Movement is quadrapedal using both hands and feet to walk and move extremely fast while on the tops of the branches; they appear to be using their fingers for walking instead of their hands. Time: 25%”
In addition to locomotion, observed behaviors could/should include:

resting (where, upon what, body posture)
sleeping (where, upon what, body posture)
feeding (what, body usage, body posture)
foraging (where, what, how)
grooming (where, with whom, kind of movement)
other use of hands and feet
vocalizations
facial expressions
interactions with others

Your observations for EACH primate variety should be at least one well-structured paragraph in length. If your primate(s) is/are relatively lethargic, SAY SO and then be sure to describe the physical aspects of the primate (size, shape, color – do a bit of research!), its environments and perhaps reasons for why not much is going on (hot and middle of the day so keeping cool; just eating so letting food digest; large primate with not many predators so why budge); KEEP IN MIND – some primates are just more active than others and being in a Zoo may not be the culprit for their sloth-like activity. For instance, gorillas are the “king” of the jungle. Do they need to be speedy and smart? Why? Why not?
You must include a breakdown for ALL of the time you observe each variety. And, I expect you to use the terms/vocabulary from our readings.
3. Compare and contrast your three varieties of primates in at least one well-structured paragraph. Suggestions include: Why are behaviors between your primates different? How are behaviors helping each type to be successful (eat, avoid being eaten, find a partner)? Why are they the same. Do body types have anything to do with the differences? Why or why not?  I expect you to be looking at how behaviors help them survive is a necessary part of this compare/contrast paragraph!  Be detailed in why you think the way you do.  Support your views.
Please feel free to use the Facial Expressions and Modes of Locomotion Keys found in the Chapter 7 table of contents.
Your submission MUST:
1. include an introductory paragraph with the name(s) of the zoo(s) you visit, the date and time you were there (or viewed the live camera), what were the primates you observed, what was the weather like that day. Put this in an INTRODUCTORY paragraph. If you do not put this information in an introductory paragraph you will be marked down and/or the validity of your submission questioned. 
2. report your observation results – one paragraph for each primate variety (3 total) and one compare/contrast paragraph! 
3. include at least 10 vocabulary words from Chapters 6 and 7: the terms MUST be capitalized (For example, QUADRAPEDAL). Bolded and italicized terms cut and pasted into Canvas tend to lose their formatting, so please use ALL CAPS, are the best way to ensure you receive the points for the terms. You need 10 distinct terms, using the same term more than once does not count, and they must be used properly.
4. include a breakdown of what was occurring during the full 20 minute observations period.  So, a summary: 10% eating, 90% sleeping; or “For 18 minutes, the gorilla did nothing but sleep The last 2 minutes, he munched on vegetation.” ALL 20 MINUTES MUST BE EASILY ACCOUNTED FOR.
 
An “A” level submission is generally at least 1250 words (at a MINIMUM). If you write less than 1250 words, generally expect to get a lesser grade. NOTE: just because you write the minimum letter number of words does not mean you will earn full points; you must still fulfill the requirements of the assignment.