I am a sophomore at GCE Lab School. For my first AP this year for STEAM we discussed binomial nomenclature which is a two part name for every animal in the world, usually in latin language. we studied taxonomy levels which are the levels that are given to every animal in order to tell them apart and to organize animals in their similarities and differences, we usually find these traits in morphology which is the organism's physical traits. We were able to go onto an FE to the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago where we observed an animal, for me I chose a fennec fox and I have organized them into taxonomic levels also got to create a Venn diagram with two other classmates where I got to compare and contrast other mammals to mine.
Background on mammal:
Fennec Foxes are usually found in North Africa or in the Sahara desert. The scientific name for a Fennec Fox would be Vulpes zerda (small fox). Because they live in the Arabian Peninsula, they have adapted to warmer climates like the Sahara desert by using their unusually large ears to cool down from the heat. The Fennec Fox would typically hunt for like rodents, reptiles, and insects. They are social animals that like to live in packs with one another, hunt together, and play. A Fennec Fox may live up to 12-16 years. They may tend to use their feet for digging because they could be found in underground dens they have built.
Taxonomic Levels
Picture of Fennec Fox
Picture of my hand drawn mammal with taxonomic levels labeled:
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| NB(2018) |
Venn diagram of Grey Seal, Cinereous Vulture, and Fennec Fox:
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| NB(2018) In class, we were grouped up with two other students who had completely different animals to us in order to compare and contrast the taxonomy levels. I was paired up with WH who was observing the Grey Seal, and ALL who was working with the Cinereous Vulture. I learned that the Grey Seal are usually found on both shores of the North Atlantic Ocean. They usually live along rocky coasts, and aren’t very sociable with each other, despite living together in large colonies and gathering together in large groups, just like how Fennec Foxes gather in groups of about 10. On the other hand, the Cinereous Vulture can be found in European Countries such as France, Italy, and Spain, while the Fennec Fox is found in the Sahara. They also live in habitats that can give the higher ground advantage, which is usually in forested areas with hills. I found it interesting to find out how closely related two animals could be connected to one another even though they come from two totally different habitats. Photo of Grey Seal:  Photo of Cinereous Vulture:
Set theory statements:
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U: { Fennec Fox, Grey Seal, Cinereous Vulture}
Fennec Foxes, grey seals, and Cinereous vultures are all a part of my universe.
Herbivores’: { Vulture, Fennec Fox, Grey Seal}
Vultures, Fennec Foxes, and Grey Seals are not herbivores.
Feathery ⋃ Furry: { Fennec Fox, Vulture}
Animals that are either feathery or furry are the fennec fox and vulture.
Feathery ⋂ Furry: {Ø}
There is no animal in my universe that is both furry and feathery.
fennec fox Є Mammalia
The fennec fox is an element of the Mammalia group.
fennec fox Є carnivora
The fennec fox is an element of the carnivora group.
Conclusion:
To conclude, I found my first AP to be quite interesting. I was able to learn more about how and why mammals are listed into taxonomic levels, and I was able to find out how closely connected we are to the animals around us even though we all come from different habitats. It's interesting to know that although morphology may show us our difference in physical traits, when you break it down into these levels we can see how we are linked into even the smallest traits in an animal. 
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