# Choose Your Investigation

Part of the Mammal Study Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/mammal-study/guide/index.md)

*4. Mammal Investigation Options*

> **4.** Do ONE of the following:

This requirement is a choose-your-own investigation. You will pick exactly one option, and the choices range from hands-on museum specimen work to field photography to book analysis. Each one teaches a different way scientists and naturalists learn about mammals.

## Your Options

- **[Req 4a — Museum Study Skins](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/mammal-study/guide/req4a/)**: Work under expert guidance to prepare two study skins of rats or mice and explain how study skins differ from mounted specimens. This option teaches specimen-based science.
- **[Req 4b — Wildlife Photography Log](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/mammal-study/guide/req4b/)**: Photograph two wild mammals and record the field conditions that may have influenced their behavior. This option builds observation, patience, and photo-documentation skills.
- **[Req 4c — Game Mammal Life History](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/mammal-study/guide/req4c/)**: Research and write a life history of a native game mammal, then list your sources. This option is strong for Scouts who like reading and structured writing.
- **[Req 4d — Tracking Pit Investigation](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/mammal-study/guide/req4d/)**: Build and bait a tracking pit, then report what animals visit. This option is excellent for Scouts who enjoy field experiments.
- **[Req 4e — Natural History Museum Visit](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/mammal-study/guide/req4e/)**: Visit a museum, learn how specimens are prepared and cataloged, and explain why museums matter. This option connects science, history, and collections work.
- **[Req 4f — Mammal Book Report](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/mammal-study/guide/req4f/)**: Read a book about a mammal species and write a 500-word report. This option works well for Scouts who like thoughtful reading and summary.
- **[Req 4g — Food Chains to a Carnivore](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/mammal-study/guide/req4g/)**: Trace two food chains from the soil through four stages to a carnivorous mammal. This option teaches ecosystems and energy flow.

## How to Choose

**Choosing Your Investigation** — Compare effort, access, and what you will learn

- [ ] **Need expert supervision?** Option 4a requires guidance from a nature center or natural history museum.
- [ ] **Want outdoor action?** Options 4b and 4d put you in the field.
- [ ] **Prefer research and writing?** Options 4c and 4f are strongest fits.
- [ ] **Have a museum nearby?** Option 4e can be a great choice if you can visit a real collection.
- [ ] **Want ecosystem thinking?** Option 4g is best if you like seeing how soil, plants, prey, and predators connect.
- [ ] **What you gain:** 4a teaches specimen methods, 4b teaches careful wildlife documentation, 4c and 4f strengthen research writing, 4d teaches field experimentation, 4e teaches museum science, and 4g teaches ecological reasoning.

### One important decision factor

Choose the option you can finish with strong evidence, not the one that sounds most dramatic. A well-documented museum visit or book report is better than a rushed wildlife photography attempt with poor notes.

> **Tip**
>
> If you are already excited about [Req 5](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/mammal-study/guide/req5/), options 4d and 4g connect especially well because they help you think about habitat and population influences.

Start with the first option page. Even if you choose a different path, it helps to understand how specimens contribute to mammal science.

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- Previous: [Nongame Mammal Life History](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/mammal-study/guide/req3c/index.md)
- Next: [Museum Study Skins](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/mammal-study/guide/req4a/index.md)