Future++Jackal

=Future Jackal=

Habitat:
If the Black-Backed Jackal were to stay in the same are in Africa as it inhabits today, the climate would change considerably. Africa would become a complete desert (see figure 1); this would mean that the animals who could not adapt (such as the Baboon (future Organism)) will die out.

The Jackal will grow larger to increase water retention, a feature that is imperative in desert dwelling animals. Its sandy colouring will help it to blend in with its surroundings. As the Jackal has grown larger, it will be able to take down prey on its own and not scavenge off other predators kills. This means that it will probably revert back to the hyper carnivorous diet of its predecessor. The Jackal will remain monogamous, as this has proved to be effective in prolonging the life span of pups and has increased their numbers. The long canines of the Jackal will help it to bring down large prey, and this will help it to survive in the desert environment. 

Adaptations:
> > __//Sandy Colouring (see figure 3)://__ > The sandy colouring of the Jackal will allow it to blend in with its environment. It will also keep the Jackal cooler, as it will not attract as much heat as a darker colour would. This is similar to the Night Dingo's colouring. This colouring will allow it to stalk and ambush its prey more effectively in an environment with very little vegetation. The ability to stalk and ambush prey will ensure the Jackals survival. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > __//3. Monogamous (see figure 4)://__ > The Jackal will remain monogamous as this has allowed it to keep its offspring safe and healthy in the past. This will let the Jackal's offspring thrive, and ensure the species survival. It also means that the Jackals can hunt and bring down larger prey together, in order to ensure their survival.
 * 1) //__Larger size (see figure 2):__//The Jackal may become larger in size, as a survival technique. If the Jackal is larger, then it will be able to retain more water. The ability to retain large amounts of water in a desert environment is imperative to the survival of any animal. Its larger size will also allow it to abandon its scavenger habits and be able to take down large prey on its own or with its mate.

__//4. Long Canines (see figure 5)://__ The long canines of the Jackal will be due to its predatory nature. The Jackal will be able to kill and eat larger prey, this means that the Jackal will not have to scavenge off of other kills and will be better adapted to the desert environment. The ability to kill its own prey will better the Jackals chances of survival.



5. __//Predatory (see figure 6)://__ The ability to kill and eat the Jackals own prey ( such as the Sneeubok) will greatly improve their chances of survival. With the advantage of not living in close proximity to other predators, the Jackals numbers will increase as they themselves aren't preyed on. The Jackal will no longer have to scavenge, and due to the lack of vegetation their diet will become hyper carnivorous. 

Extinction Pressure:
The Jackal will be at risk from dehydration (see figure 7). As Africa will become a desert, it will be increasingly difficult to find fresh water. This will result in many species dying out due to dehydration and inability to sustain them-selves. This will also affect the prey of the Jackal. If the Jackal's prey cannot find water, they will die out, and the Jackal will have no source of nutrient's. The Jackal may become extinct due to lack of fresh water and lack of prey. 

Future Jackal Bibliography:
1. Weather forecast for the next one thousand years. (2011). Retrieved from [|Weather Forecast] 2. Abandon all hope, ye who read this. (2011). Retrieved from [|Hope] 3. Black-backed jackal. (2011). Retrieved from [|Conservation]