Ecology
Officer
Responsibilities
The Ecology Officer is one of
the most important specialist as his or her role is to study the plants,
animals, and ecosystems in which they live. The farther west the pioneers
roam, the more animals they see that they have never encountered before.
By taking careful notes, recording thoughts through writing, creating several
drawings, and talking to people about the ecological changes that take
place, this specialist will uncover many secrets on the Oregon Trail. As
the Ecology Officer, you need to use the Internet to answer the questions
below.
Questions
-
What is the landscape like as
you travel on The Oregon Trail?
-
What obstacles does the land
present in completing the Oregon Trail?
-
What plants do you see that
you have not seen in back home in the east? Describe these plants. How
do they change as you progress on The Oregon Trail?
-
What animals do you see that
you have never encountered before? How would you describe them? Why are
these animals only found in certain parts of the country?
Sites
-
Fish
and Wildlife on the Oregon Trail: Then and Now - This site includes
much information on the conditions of wildlife on the trail. As an emigrant
this information will be helpful for further understanding of the Oregon
Trail.
-
The
Grizzly Bear - One animal that you will come into contact with
on your journey west is the Grizzly Bear.
-
The
Bison - The Bison, also known as buffalo, are sometimes hunted by pioneers
for food. Learn more about this animal by linking to this site.
-
The
Appaloosa - During the westward expansion a type of horse known
as the Appaloosa were quite visible. Find out what these animals look like!
-
The
Beaver - The Beaver was one animal that fur trappers pursued. Learn
about these animals and see for yourself what they look like!
-
The
Longhorn - You might come into contact with a longhorn or two
on the Oregon Trail. Gain a better understanding of the longhorn by linking
to this site.
-
Oregon
Trail: The Highway of the Pioneers to the Pacific Northwest - Use the
information on this clickable map to learn more about the landscapes of
Oregon, Idaho, and Wyoming, states that the Oregon Trail crossed over.
-
The
Seasonal Cycle - Learn more about the seasonal cycle along the Oregon
Trail. Plants, animals and the land change season to season.