An underwater volcano has erupted, and as the lava cools a new island has formed. Which types of animal species are likely to be among the first to colonize the island? (Check all that apply)

Question

_____  annelids
_____  bats
_____  birds
_____  insects
_____  snails
_____  snakes
_____  tapirs
_____  tortoises


Clarify question:
What is the key concept addressed by the question?
What type of thinking is required?

Gather Content:
What do you already know about colonizing a new environment? What other information is related to the question? 

Choose Answer:
  Given what you now know, what information is most likely to produce the correct answer?

Reflection on Process:
Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce a more desirable result?

Answer 1

_____  annelids
__X__  bats
__X__  birds
__X__  insects
_____  snails
_____  snakes
_____  tapirs
_____  tortoises


Clarify question:
What is the key concept addressed by the question?
The key concept is to identify the types of animals that would be able to populate a newly formed island faster.
What type of thinking is required?
This is an application question. You will need to apply your knowledge of population dynamics to this situation. This is a check all that apply type of question, there is more than once correct answer.

Gather Content:
What do you already know about colonizing a new environment? What other information is related to the question? 
This is a newly formed island that rose out of the ocean. It clearly was never connected to the mainland. Of all the choices presented some will have a distinct advantage in terms of colonization speed.

Choose Answer:
  Given what you now know, what information is most likely to produce the correct answer?
Eventually all of the types of organisms listed may colonize the island but the ones with the ability to fly will probably be first. These species will have the easiest time crossing the open water.


Reflection on Process:
Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce a more desirable result?
Were you to select all the correct answers? Animals that are able to fly would give them an advantage in populating a new and remote island. These situations actually happen, in 1883 the volcano Krakatoa blew itself up. The entire island was blasted in the air. In the 1920 a new island broke the surface and started to grow. The island is called Anak Krakatoa (son of Krakatoa) and has mature forests on it.