Research Assignment – Tassie Tiger

Research Assignment: The Extinction of the Tasmanian Tiger

Objective:
The objective of this research assignment is to explore the factors leading to the extinction of the Tasmanian tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus) and evaluate the students’ research skills, ability to form a personal opinion based on evidence, and incorporate relevant images to support their findings.

Instructions:

Introduction (10 points):

Provide a brief overview of the Tasmanian tiger, its physical characteristics, and its historical significance.
State the main objective of the research: to investigate the factors contributing to the extinction of the Tasmanian tiger.

Historical Context (15 points):

Examine the historical context surrounding the Tasmanian tiger, including its distribution, habitat, and interactions with humans.
Investigate the impact of European settlement, hunting, and habitat destruction on the population.

Biology and Behavior (15 points):

Explore the biological and behavioral aspects of the Tasmanian tiger.
Discuss how these characteristics may have influenced the species’ vulnerability to extinction.

Human Impact (20 points):

Analyze the role of humans in the extinction of the Tasmanian tiger.
Investigate historical hunting practices, bounties, and the perception of the Tasmanian tiger as a threat to livestock.

Conservation Efforts (15 points):

Research any conservation efforts or initiatives that were in place to protect the Tasmanian tiger.
Evaluate the effectiveness of these efforts and discuss any challenges faced.

Personal Opinion (15 points):

Express your personal opinion on whether the extinction of the Tasmanian tiger could have been prevented.
Support your opinion with evidence gathered from your research.

Incorporation of Images (10 points):

Include at least three relevant images throughout your research paper.
Ensure that each image is properly captioned and directly contributes to the understanding of the topic.

Bibliography (10 points):

Compile a bibliography using the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) version 7 format.
Include a minimum of 8 scholarly sources, such as academic articles, books, and reputable websites.

Grading Rubric:

Research Skills (40 points): Depth of information, variety of sources, and proper citation of references.
Personal Opinion (15 points): Clearly articulated personal opinion, supported by evidence from the research.
Use of Images (10 points): Integration of relevant images with proper captions that enhance the overall presentation.
Bibliography (10 points): Correct citation format (AAP version 7) and inclusion of a sufficient number of scholarly sources.
Overall Presentation (25 points): Clarity of writing, organization of information, and adherence to instructions.

Note: Plagiarism will result in a significant deduction of points. Ensure that proper citation practices are followed throughout the assignment.

Here’s a rubric that you can use to assess the Tasmanian tiger research assignment:

Research Assignment Rubric: The Extinction of the Tasmanian Tiger

Criteria	Excellent (4)	Good (3)	Satisfactory (2)	Needs Improvement (1)	Unsatisfactory (0)
Introduction (10 points)	The introduction provides a clear and engaging overview of the Tasmanian tiger, setting the stage for the research. It clearly states the main objective.	The introduction is informative and adequately introduces the Tasmanian tiger, though it may lack some clarity or engagement. The main objective is stated.	The introduction is somewhat unclear or lacks engagement. The main objective is mentioned but lacks clarity.	The introduction is unclear and does not effectively introduce the Tasmanian tiger or state the main objective.	The introduction is missing or irrelevant.
Historical Context (15 points)	The historical context is thoroughly researched and provides a comprehensive understanding of the Tasmanian tiger’s history, including distribution, habitat, and interactions with humans.	The historical context is well-researched, covering key aspects of the Tasmanian tiger’s history, but may lack some depth or detail.	The historical context is adequately researched, but some key aspects may be missing or insufficiently explained.	The historical context is lacking in detail, and significant aspects are not covered or are inaccurately presented.	The historical context is missing or entirely inaccurate.
Biology and Behavior (15 points)	The section on biology and behavior is comprehensive, providing a detailed exploration of relevant characteristics and their potential impact on the species’ vulnerability to extinction.	The section on biology and behavior is informative, covering key characteristics, but may lack some depth or thorough exploration.	The section on biology and behavior is somewhat informative but lacks depth or thorough exploration of characteristics.	The section on biology and behavior is insufficient and lacks key details or accurate information.	The section on biology and behavior is missing or entirely inaccurate.
Human Impact (20 points)	The analysis of human impact is thorough, examining historical hunting practices, bounties, and habitat destruction in detail. It demonstrates a clear understanding of the role humans played in the Tasmanian tiger’s extinction.	The analysis of human impact is well-done, covering key aspects, but may lack some depth or detailed exploration.	The analysis of human impact is somewhat informative, but lacks depth or thorough exploration of key aspects.	The analysis of human impact is insufficient and lacks key details or accurate information.	The analysis of human impact is missing or entirely inaccurate.
Conservation Efforts (15 points)	The section on conservation efforts is comprehensive, exploring initiatives in detail and evaluating their effectiveness with critical insight.	The section on conservation efforts is well-done, covering key initiatives, but may lack some depth or detailed evaluation.	The section on conservation efforts is somewhat informative, but lacks depth or thorough evaluation of initiatives.	The section on conservation efforts is insufficient and lacks key details or accurate evaluation.	The section on conservation efforts is missing or entirely inaccurate.
Personal Opinion (15 points)	The personal opinion is clearly articulated and well-supported by evidence gathered from the research. It demonstrates critical thinking and reflection.	The personal opinion is clear and supported by evidence, but may lack some depth or thorough integration of research findings.	The personal opinion is somewhat clear but lacks depth or thorough integration of research findings to support the opinion.	The personal opinion is unclear, lacks depth, or is not effectively supported by evidence from the research.	The personal opinion is missing or entirely irrelevant.
Incorporation of Images (10 points)	At least three relevant images are seamlessly integrated, contributing significantly to the understanding of the topic. Each image is properly captioned.	Three relevant images are included, but there may be minor issues with integration or captioning.	Images are included, but their relevance or integration may be questionable, and captions may lack clarity.	Images are included, but they do not significantly contribute to the understanding of the topic, and captions may be unclear.	Images are missing or entirely irrelevant.
Bibliography (10 points)	The bibliography is in AAP version 7 format, and a minimum of 8 scholarly sources are cited. Each citation is accurate and relevant to the research.	The bibliography is mostly in AAP version 7 format, and at least 8 sources are cited, but there may be minor issues with citation accuracy or relevance.	The bibliography is in AAP version 7 format, but there are notable issues with citation accuracy or relevance, or the minimum source requirement is not met.	The bibliography is not in AAP version 7 format, and there are significant issues with citation accuracy or relevance, or the minimum source requirement is not met.	The bibliography is missing or entirely inaccurate.
Overall Presentation (25 points)	The research paper is exceptionally well-written, organized, and adheres to instructions. It demonstrates clarity, coherence, and a high level of professionalism.	The research paper is well-written, organized, and mostly adheres to instructions, with minor issues in clarity or organization.	The research paper is adequately written and organized but may lack clarity, coherence, or have issues with adherence to instructions.	The research paper is poorly written, disorganized, and does not adhere to instructions.	The research paper is missing or entirely irrelevant.

Total Points: 150