Wildlife and Globalization
Overview:Objectives:
1. Explore the use of animals in cultures around the world as symbols of certain
beliefs, ideas, and attributes.
2. Examine the connection between the endangered alligator and its cultural
significance in China, as well as the human causes behind the dwindling numbers
of these animals, by reading and discussing "Rare Alligator Is Threatened
As China Feeds Its People."
3. Investigate the ways in which animals have been used as traditional symbols
in cultures around the world; analyze the current status of these animals in
their native habitats.
4. Create a "Revered Animals Around the World" exhibit to display
research findings both artistically and textually.
1. We will read and discuss "Rare Alligator Is Threatened As China Feeds Its People," answering the following questions:
Related Article
Rare
Alligator Is Threatened as China Feeds Its People
By CAROL KAESUK YOON
(Go
to Article.)
a. What do dragons represent in traditional Chinese culture?
b. Why are alligators associated with dragons?
c. How many Chinese alligators are thought to exist, according to researchers?
d. What is the natural habitat of the Chinese alligator?
e. How has this habitat changed over the years?
f. How does the cultivation of rice played a role in the lives of the
alligators?
g. Where are the alligators thriving?
h. What would researchers and zoologists like to do with the alligators in
captivity?
i. Why might this be difficult, according to the article?
j. What were some challenges researchers faced while trying to document the
number of these alligators in the wild?
k. Why do some people object to the possibility of reintroducing alligators to
nature?
l. According to the article, how have alligators in nature suffered
"accidental" deaths?
m. Where can the only other species of alligator in the world be found?
n. What is the life span of the Chinese alligator?
o. How do Chinese mythological representations of dragons differ from Western
ones?
p. Why do some Chinese consider alligator meat beneficial?
q. From which sources do support and funding for the endangered alligators come?
r. In addition to the alligator, which other endangered species in China are
receiving attention and government funds?
s. According to the article, what is necessary for the reintroduction of Chinese
alligators to the wild to take place?
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2. Write a comparative study of Western (European) and Eastern (Asian) notions of the mythical dragon. How did this creature come to exist in two separate cultural traditions? Illustrate your study with images, literature and other portrayals of the dragon in each tradition.
3. Create a glossary of endangered and extinct animals. Make sure to note each species' habitat of origin and date of extinction or status of endangerment, and a picture or photo of the animal.
4. Using one of the animal tales or folklore researched in class as an example, create your own "modern" animal tale featuring the creature of your choice.
Interdisciplinary Connections: Choose one of these
Current Events- Choose a currently-threatened ecosystem and create a brochure to inform others of actions they can take to help preserve it. Some examples might include rainforests or wetlands.
Economics- How much money is allocated to saving endangered species each year? Make a pie chart representing funds from private donors, nonprofit foundations, the federal government, and other sources.
Science- Conduct zoological research on the world's two species of alligator (the American and the Chinese) and make a comparative chart. How do the species differ? How are they alike?