Final answer:
When choosing not to use internet sources older than five years in researching endangered animal species, the characteristic of effective websites you are considering is the timeliness of the information. This ensures the information is current and reflects the latest data and conservation efforts.
Step-by-step explanation:
When doing your internet research on endangered animal species and deciding not to use sources that are older than five years, you are considering the timeliness of the information. Timeliness is crucial when researching contemporary topics, as the status of endangered species can change rapidly, with new data and conservation efforts constantly emerging.
Effective web research involves ensuring that the author of the website is reputable, which typically means they are a scholar, affiliated with a museum, or a research organization. It's also important to verify that the information is cited, allowing you to check the objectivity and reliability of those sources. Additionally, corroboration of the information with other sources can confirm the site’s credibility.
Resources should also be unbiased, meaning that they do not present information with a particular bias or point of view. It is essential to evaluate the trustworthiness and credibility of information, especially since the internet is not regulated for quality or accuracy. Therefore, it is the user's responsibility to assess the reliability of online resources by considering their authorship, the institution’s reputation, and the presence of up-to-date contact information.