Kākāpō II

Kākāpō II

Pencil and paperOnline interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
This task is about answering questions about the kākāpō.
images of a kākāpō
Some notes:

  • There are only 80 kākāpō left in the world. (About 2/3 of these are male.)
  • The kākāpō is found only in New Zealand.
  • It is nocturnal, i.e., sleeps in the daytime.
  • It is flightless.
  • The feathers are yellow-green.
  • In the breeding season males make a low, booming sound.
  • It is the heaviest parrot in the world.
  • Kākāpō breed only once every 4-5 years.
  • The kiore or Polynesian rat is a problem in kākāpō survival.
  • The Department of Conservation has moved the birds to Codfish and Little Barrier Islands.

Question 2Change answer

a)  Name two things that make the kākāpō different from other parrots.
     1.  
     2.   

Question 2Change answer

b)  Write two reasons why the kākāpō numbers have fallen from thousands to only 80.
     1.  
     2.  

Question 2Change answer

c)  The Department of Conservation has moved some birds to Codfish and Little Barrier Islands.
     Why are the kākāpō more likely to survive and breed on these islands?
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pen and paper or online (with NO auto-marking).
Copyright: 

  

Photo source: R. Morris, D.O.C. Permission granted for use.

Level:
3
Curriculum info: 
Science, Understanding about science, Living World
Keywords: 
Life processes, endangered species, native birds, kakapo, interpreting text
Description of task: 
Students read some notes about kakapo, and answer questions on how the kakapo is distinct from other parrots, and why these birds are endangered.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Use evidence
This resource provides opportunities to discuss using evidence  to support explanations. 
Science capabilities: 
Use evidence
Making Better Sense: 
Endangered Species
Answers/responses: 
 

Y6 (07/1997)
a) Any 2 of:

•   Flightless (nearly).
•   Size (weight).
•   Nocturnal.
•   Only 80 left.
•   Breed once every 4-5 years.

 2 correct – moderate

1 correct – very easy
b) Any 2 of:

•   Slow breeders/only breed every 4-5 years.
•   Eggs/chicks preyed upon by kiore, stoats, etc.
•   Hunted for food.
•   Flightless so more easily preyed upon.

 2 correct – very difficult

1 correct – easy
c) Any 2 of:

•   Islands are free from predators.
•   Better food supply/source.
•   Better chance of kākāpō meeting for breeding.
•   DOC can monitor birds more easily.

 2 correct – very difficult

1 correct – moderate