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One Whale or Two or … ?

The Speciation of Orca Whales

By Celeste A. Leander, Pamela Kalas

One Whale or Two or … ?


 

Abstract

This case study focuses on the intersection of defining a scientific species and defining a legal species. The compelling story of Lolita, an orca whale in captivity, is used to highlight the legal significance of species declaration. Students will work through scientific species definitions and data on Orca whales before deciding if Orca whales should be considered as one or several species. After an introduction to Lolita and a mock town hall meeting, students are thrown into the real life situation of contemplating the fate of an Orca in captivity that suddenly has protected legal status. This case was developed for use in a first-year biology course focusing on ecology, genetics, and evolution. It also could be used in upper or lower division courses on ecology, evolution, or conservation.

   

Date Posted

09/28/2017

Overview

Objectives

  • Describe four species concepts and the appropriate use of each.
  • Discuss how conservation protocol can be affected by species designation decisions.
  • Evaluate phylogenies to identify closest relatives and relative branching patterns.
  • Distinguish between allopatric and sympatric speciation events.
  • Diagram and describe three modes of selection (directional, stabilizing, disruptive).

Keywords

orca; Orcinus orca; species definitions; species concept; phylogeny; ecology; morphology; conservation; directional; stabilizing; disruptive

  

Subject Headings

Biology (General)
Ecology
Environmental Science
Evolutionary Biology
Marine Science / Oceanography
Wildlife Management
Zoology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF, PowerPoint

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Directed, Discussion, Flipped

 

 

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