Fingerprints in the Dunes

Background

Clues remain from all life at Great Sand Dunes, from the hoppy tracks of a foraging kangaroo rat to the meandering path of a scavenging circus beetle. To the keen observer, scientist, or student detective, more clues to the ecological, geological and even meteorological history can be discovered by 'fingerprints' left in the dunes. Both the direction of yesterday’s wind and the average wind direction over hundreds of years leave imprints in sand ripples and dune forms. Scientists sift though nature’s fingerprints in hopes for new discoveries to be revealed.

Procedure

Sand Sheet Detective Activity

To some, the Great Sand Dunes may seem like an uninhabitable desert. To others, like the sand-treader camel cricket or scurfpea, this vast accumulation of sand is home. How do these species survive scorching summer daytime temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit and subzero nighttime winter temperatures? How have they adapted to drought conditions when the sparse rain trickles into the sand, far from average mouth’s or root’s reach?

The answers to these mysteries are easier to understand if we examine clues left behind. These fingerprints remain for you to explore. In this activity it’s up to you to discover how the species of the Great Sand Dunes are adapted to these unique conditions and what characteristics enable their survival.

Teachers, divide students into groups of two and have each detective group investigate a few of the Discoveries illustrated in the poster (available for purchase from the park store). Then have each group share what they learn with the class, while they point out their fascinating features in the poster. Students should emphasize the relationships of their discoveries with other features contained in the poster. After all eighteen discoveries have been shared, photocopy and distribute the worksheet (located at the bottom-left of the poster's back) to each student. Clues on the worksheet will acquaint students with processes and adaptations of the Great Sand Dunes sand sheet ecosystem. Cross-reference the worksheet’s questions with the Discoveries numbers. Full answers to the student worksheet are available on the on-line answer key.

Backyard Wonders

Whether you visit the Great Sand Dunes or explore in your own backyard, this additional activity will help you become aware of those adaptations special to creatures everywhere. Teachers, have your students follow the directions below.

A) Choose an ecosystem to explore and write down on a sheet of paper four environmental characteristics that make life challenging. (For example: drought, shade, flood, competition for food, scorching sunlight, drying winds, shifting soil, extreme temperatures, freezing winters, etc.)
 
B) On a piece of paper draw an imaginary plant, insect, herbivore, and predator. Give each characteristics that help it to survive the challenges of your ecosystem. The species should be able to coexist with each other.

Extension

Classroom Extension: Write a story from one of the organisms' point of view. Your story should have a main character who interacts with each of the other features from your illustration, in order to describe life in your ecosystem.

On-site Extension: Plan a backyard expedition, or if the ecosystem you chose is close enough to visit, visit that site and search for species similar to those in your illustration. (Yes, variations may exist!) Log all of the interesting life forms that you find, listing their special traits and the environmental stresses for which they may be adapted.

Web Extension: Briefly describe your illustration: a) what is your ecosystem and its challenges, b) what are your species and c) why do the adaptations help your species survive? Ask your teacher to post your illustration and description in the student’s section of www.handsontheland.org.

Link: Sand Sheet Wonders