Learning Target

(HS-LS2-4) I can use mathematical representations to support claims for the cycling of matter and flow of energy among organisms in an ecosystem.

Background

The Superb Owl!

Owls are nocturnal raptors that feast on small rodents, reptiles, and birds. If a farmer is having problems with mice or rats, a barn owl can be a big help. One pair of barn owls can catch more of these rodents than a dozen cats can. One study followed a one month old baby owl and gave it as many mice as it wanted. It swallowed 9 mice one right after another and ate 4 more only three hours later. In one year, a barn owl probably eats 2,000 rats and mice. 

Owls have a specialized digestive system because they cannot digest the fur, bones, or feathers of the organisms they eat. Their digestive system clumps the indigestible parts into clumps called a pellet which the owl regurgitates approximately 20 hours after it is finished eating.

Guiding Questions

How are matter and energy transferred in an ecosystem?

Task 1

In this lab you will be dissecting and analyzing owl pellets. The owl pellets you will be analyzing are from the common barn owl and have been sterilized. However, it is still important to sterilize the dissecting area and thoroughly wash your hands after clean-up. By dissecting owl pellets, we not only learn about the birds’ diets, but also learn about the ecosystem in which it lives.

To answer the guiding question, you will be provided materials to explore via a dissection of a barn owl pellet. Your teacher will have a “tool talk” to review what the materials are and how to use it appropriately and safely.

Here are required tasks that you will need to perform in your investigation:

1. Inspecting the outside of your owl pellet

2. Dissecting the owl pellet (use your fingers or provided instruments to carefully extract bones).

3. Grouping similar bones together

4. Classifying and recording your findings according to the owl pellet chart

You will need to record the data you collect from the owl pellet in a data table. Create your data table on the next page.

Other Observations:

Task 1

Keep a tally of the different bones you find in your owl pellet after dissection. Make an educated guess about what animals you found and how many you think were consumed.

Task 2

Trophic Pyramids

Background:

We will draw or create a google slide with a trophic pyramid that includes the owl at the top. First, draw a pyramid that shows what organisms are in each level and the amount of biomass that they take up in that ecosystem. Be sure to correctly label each trophic level. Be sure to label where the energy flows from each level.