Taronga visit 3 BIOL2032 Australian Wildlife Biology TARONGA ZOO 3 Fieldwork on Birds Taronga Zoo Visit 3 (Week 7) Taronga has an array of aviaries and exhibits showcasing Australian and World-wide bird species. Australian species cover large and small, brightly coloured to monochrome, a wide and narrow distribution ranges, and a wide range of habitats. Of the 23 Orders of Australian birds, 16 are represented at Taronga. During this visit you will spend 2 hours at the zoo observing and learning more about bird distributions, adaptations to habitat, and conservation efforts. You will also want to keep an eye out for species of birds you'll be researching for your presentation! As usual, please meet your demonstrators at the main entrance (white arches) to Taronga 5 minutes before your allocated prac time. You will find it difficult to catch up with your group if you are not on time. Key Learning Outcomes After this zoo visit students should be able to: 1. Consolidate learning about Australian bird diversity and adaptations based on: a. Habitats b. Widespread and niche distributions c. Sexual dimorphism 2. Understand current threats to bird populations 3. Understand and be able to apply knowledge of in-situ and ex-situ bird conservation Introduction As you saw from the reptiles and amphibians field work at Taronga, close observations of live species is an excellent method for increasing knowledge. You have the opportunity to view species in habitats that mimic their own natural habitat, see adaptations in action, and view behaviours. BIRD AVIARIES The walk-through aviaries at Taronga allow you to be immersed with birds in their respective habitats with the Australian aviaries split into habitat type. Interpretation will help you identify species and provide further information about both flora and fauna. MAKE SURE TO KEEP DETAILED NOTES OF YOUR PRACS AND FIELD WORK AT TARONGA AS THERE MAY BE QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE MATERIAL IN YOUR EXAM. IF YOU DON'T HAVE TIME TO COMPLETE THE QUESTIONS DURING THE PRAC DO THESE AFTERWARDS AS THEY WILL HELP YOUR REVISION. 1
BIOL2032 Australian Wildlife Biology Taronga visit 3 Activities at Taronga During this self-guided virtual field trip, you will be a twitcher (bird watcher) to celebrate our feathered friends and learn more about their physical adaptations to their respective habitats. Please complete your questions this week during the virtual fieldtrip. During the consolidation next week you will be applying these skills to the tutorial activity. The activities are mostly broken down into habitats allowing you to make the distinctions between birds and their adaptations to habitats around Australia. Today you will visit 6 locations: Location 1 Temperate rainforest 2 Tropical Rainforest 3 Cassowary 4 Wetlands 5 Great Southern Ocean 6 Urban environment Observe and take detailed notes in the space provided about: · distribution · size and shape · colour · camouflaging · feet shape · bill shape · wings · feathers · distinguishing features · sexual dimorphism · habitat - general and specific flora . where they are in the enclosure (ie.