Introduction
This webquest is a great way to familiarize yourself with the mud puppy's natural history.
Task
You will visit a few pre-selected websites in order to locate information about mud puppies.
Process
1. Visit this website first: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/amphibians/mudpuppy/
a. Give the reason why mud puppies are named the way they are.
b. What is the life span of a mud puppy?
c. Describe the range in which mud puppies live.
d. What type of consumer is a mud puppy, and give examples of possible foods they eat.
2. Visit this next website: http://www.marylandzoo.org/animals-conservation/amphibians/mudpuppy/
a. Predators - describe what kind of animals prey on mud puppies.
b. Habitat: Give 2 interesting facts about the preferred habitat for a mud puppy.
c. Reproduction: Briefly summarize how mud puppies mate and reproduce.
3. Here is your next website: http://www.sheddaquarium.org/Conservation--Research/Field-Research/In-the-Great-Lakes/Mudpuppy-Research/
a. In this article, give a couple of reasons why the mud puppy populations have been declining.
b. What are two things Alicia Beattie does to the mud puppies she catches and releases?
4. Final website: http://www.edgeofexistence.org/amphibians/species_info.php?id=571
a. Define neoteny -
b. When are mud puppies the most active?
c. Describe their conservation status and any actions being done to preserve their populations.