Question

research: african lion
the big question to consider as you work: how do we determine parentage?
supporting questions to consider as you work: how can we determine who the mother is? how can we determine who the father is? why does knowing the parents matter?
what will we do? we will research the african lion species to help us better understand their relationships.
procedure:

1. using internet resources, you will research this species to answer the following questions.

2.
a. reliable resources are typically published by professional organizations, institutions, universities, scientific societies, and other reputable sources.

1. discuss with your group how pride structure increases survival.
2. reassess your hypothesis for parentage based on your research.

making sense:

1. what is this species scientific name?
2. briefly describe what roles males and females play in the pride.
3. what role do lions fill in their habitat?

3a. why is this role critical to maintain a healthy community?
3b. which sex is mainly responsible for this role?

Explanation:

1. The scientific name of the African lion is Panthera leo.
2. In a lion - pride, males are mainly responsible for protecting the territory and the pride from external threats such as other male lions. Females are the primary hunters, working together in groups to take down prey.
3. Lions are apex predators in their habitat. Their role is critical as they help control the population of herbivores, which in turn affects the vegetation and overall ecosystem balance. Females are mainly responsible for hunting, which is the key activity related to their apex - predator role.

Answer:

1. Panthera leo
2. Males protect the pride and territory; females are the primary hunters.
3. Apex predators. Their role is critical for controlling herbivore populations and maintaining ecosystem balance. Females are mainly responsible for this role.