Kimberly Quizhpi

12th Grade
Jonathan Ryberg
AP Environmental Science
October 26, 2017
Scrapes #2
scrAPES: A Scrapbook for AP Environmental Science
Source: New York Times
Date Written: October 23, 2017
Link: As Winter Sets In, Tiny Shrews Shrink Their
Skulls and Brains

Summary:
The red-toothed shrews shrink their head when
the environment starts to get colder. They shrink their
head and their brain because they seem to conserve
more energy and since food is scarce during the winter
time it helps them. When their brain and head shrink, it
also affects several of their organs. According to the
New York Times Several major organs lose mass in
winter, and the spine shortens, as well. Overall, the
shrews in the study reduced their body mass by about 18 percent from July to February., because the Shrews shrink
their head and brain size they also seem to lose mass size, however when the temperatures start to get warmer their
body mass goes up and their brain and head size return to the way they were before.

Analysis:
Something significant about this article, was that a small animal like the red-toothed shrews has the ability to
change its head and brain size, something that other animals cant do for the winter season. For example the grizzly
bears eat a lot in order for them to survive during hibernation and the winter seasons. This news has a huge impact on
the world because it can help us discover new things about one of the most import organs, the brain. We discovered
that an animal can change its size so many us humans can too. The New york times writes Knowing that a mammal
can successfully shrink and regrow its own body especially a complex organ like the brain could open up
exciting new avenues for exploration., because scientists have discovered this new feature about the shrew, they
are also getting prepared to find new things such as cures for diseases like osteoporosis (weak bone disease).

Reflection:
I chose this article because it sounded interesting and cool to read how a small little animal can change the
size of an important organ called the brain. The brain has always drawn me to explore new things about it, its an
important organ that we use everyday and without it well we just wouldnt be the same. The most interesting part
about this was learning that there was another animal other than the grizzly bear that did something different for the
winter season, it was cool learning how they shrink their brain unlike the grizzly bear that eats for winter. Another
interesting part was the fact that because this little animal can change its brain size, people like scientist are getting
closer to find cures for diseases like osteoporosis. This discovery can cure osteoporosis because in order for the brain
to shrink, the shrews joints between the bones of the skull reabsorb tissue during autumn and winter. As spring
approaches, the bone tissue regenerates., so as the weather starts to get warmer the bone tissue begins to regenerate
(grow).
 Rubric:
Analysis
NY MS ES

Explain a concept ___Provided evidence of __Provided evidence of in-depth,

with relevant understanding of relevant scientific sophisticated understanding of relevant
facts, details, or concepts, principles, or theories scientific concepts or theories
examples

Ways to improve: __ Provide an example to support your answer

__ Use appropriate scientific vocabulary __ Make a clear connection to content

Summary of Article
NY MS ES

Determine which __Determine appropriate evidence __Determine appropriate evidence from a

details/evidence from a scientific resource that scientific resource that clearly supports
supports a vaguely supports or connects to a and connects to a scientific concept
scientific concept scientific concept

Ways to improve DISCERN: __ Expand on the evidence with a clear explanation

__ Use appropriate language
__ Provide context for the evidence
__ Use appropriate scientific vocabulary

Overall Evidence
NY MS ES

Develop and ____Adheres to deadlines ____Consistently adheres to deadlines

apply necessary ____Demonstrates evidence of ____Demonstrates student created
steps for planning steps evidence of planning steps
academic
__homework __ researching __homework __ researching
achievement __ drafts __ goal sheet __ drafts __ goal sheet
__ questions __ reviewing __ questions __ reviewing
__ other __ calendar __ other __ calendar

Ways to Improve: ___utilizing your time in class more effectively

___ consider completing some/more of the ___ set smaller goals or deadlines in order to complete the task at a more
work outside class appropriate pace/on time

___ use a planning calendar or agenda __Other: