...Ecologism: Core themes | Ecology | * Ecology developed as a distinct branch of biology through a growing recognition that plants and animals are sustained by self-regulating natural systems (i.e. ecosystem) composed of both living and non-living elements. All ecosystems tend towards a state of harmony or equilibrium through a system of state regulation. Biologists refer to this as homeostasis: Process where food and other resources are recycled and the population size of animals; insects and plants naturally adjust to the available food supply.Eco systems interact with other ecosystems.E.g. A lake may constitute an ecosystem, but it also needs to be fed fresh water from tributaries and receive warmth and energy from the sun. In turn, lakes provide water and food for species living along its shores. The natural world is therefore made up of a complex web of ecosystems – the largest of which is the global ecosystem: the “ecosphere” or “biosphere”.Ecologists argue that humankind currently faces the prospect of environmental disaster because of material wealth.Material wealth and consumption upsets the ‘balance of nature’ and endangered the ecosystems that make human life possible. * This is all a result of the growth in human population * The depletion of finite and irreplaceable resources such as: Coal, Oil, and Natural Gas * The eradication of tropical rain forests * The pollution of rivers, lakes and forests and air itselfEcologism presents a radically different...
Words: 3124 - Pages: 13
...achieving a solution to any environmental problem. Before this, you must completely understand what science is opposed to what it is not. Science is not just a body of knowledge, as some see it to be, but much rather a collection of facts about the natural world. In addition, science is also a systematic way to investigate the natural world, what we refer to as the dynamic process. Science looks to decrease the conspicuous complexity of earth to general principles, those principles help to make predictions, solve problems and create new insights. These principles are the scientific assessment, risk analysis, public education and involvement, political action, and long-term evaluation. In further detail, the scientific assessment consists of defined problems, tested hypothesis and constructed models to show how the present situation developed and to predict the future course of events; risk analysis focuses on and analyzes the potential risks...
Words: 841 - Pages: 4
...Cooperation is an important factor for international law since most of the laws taken, for instance in this case, environmental concerns will depend upon the agreements and policies considered by the countries in the global arena. When ecology is involved with international relations, there is an important criterion that reduces the status of sovereignty and rather creates a perception that sovereignty is an essential element for bringing about harmony with nature. The four objectives put forth by Indira Gandhi involve important principles that can be used by most of the developing countries. One such objective is the knowledge of our environment. Having knowledge of the environment can help form interactions between states for agreements on the need for ecological policies. The above sentence made alone includes all the four objectives put forth by Indira Gandhi. Therefore, it is emphasize on the fact that interaction between states is one of the most essential and crucial elements...
Words: 1103 - Pages: 5
...competency requirements canand should be defined in relatively distinctand stable units called “jobs”-design and delivery requirements forproducts and services should be driven bytechnical requirements and organizationalcapabilities: customers can then be persuadedto buy what is produced andavailable-the performance standards for workersare the “minimums”. It is desirable toexceed these, if possible- descriptions of work and competency arepersonnel tools, used primarily to supportdecisions about job grade, pay, andplacement-descriptions of work and competencyshould be developed for jobs and bytrained experts: job analysts,psychologists, personnel staff-validity of work and competency descriptionsis a function of the rigor of theresearch and analysis process- people practices (training, selection,career development, performance management,pay systems, work design, etc.) are personnel practices and peripheral to the main work of the business. They aregenerally disconnected practices and notimportant topics for the strategic agenda | -work and competency requirements must be responsiveto business and customer issues. They must be definedin small units that can be allocated amongst people tooptimize workloak and competency utilization. “Jobs”become whatever a person is responsible for at a givenmoment, not a fixed package of work elements-the customer’s requirements and needs are the mainconsideration in designing and delivering products andservices-workers should set quality standards...
Words: 1182 - Pages: 5
...M.A. Social Work (Previous) FIRST SEMESTER Paper S1: 01 History and Philosophy of Social Work - 50 Paper S1: 02 Psychosocial Dynamics of Human Behavior - 50 Paper S1: 03 Methods of Working with People: Micro-Approaches - 50 Paper S1: 04 Social Welfare Administration - 50 Paper S1: 05 Research Methodology - 50 Paper S1: 06 Man & Society - 50 Paper S1: 07 Concurrent Field work three days in a week - 50 Total - 350 SECOND SEMESTER Paper S2: 01 Approaches and fields of Social Work - 50 Paper S2: 02 Human Growth and Development - 50 Paper S2: 03 Methods of working with People: Macro Approaches - 50 Paper S2: 04 Management of NGO’s and Disaster Relief Services - 50 Paper S2: 05 Statistics and Computer Application - 50 Paper S2: 06 Dynamics of Socio-Political Institutions and Organizations - 50 Paper S2: 07 Concurrent Field work (three days in a week) -50 Total - 350 M.A. in Social Work (Part-I) Preamble: 1. There shall be six theory papers of 50 marks each and field work of 50 marks as paper seventh out of 50 marks, 38 marks shall be devoted to semester paper and 12 marks shall be fixed for class/home assignments. 2. The format of the theory paper shall be the same as it is being following by the university. 3. Evaluation procedure shall be as per university norms. FIRST SEMESTER Paper S1: 01 History and Philosophy of Social Work (50) Unit – I Meaning, objectives and scope of social work; Role...
Words: 14601 - Pages: 59
...The Latitudinal Diversity Gradient Hypothesis: the state of knowledge Biogeography Spring 2013, Term Paper Title: Latitudinal Diversity Gradient Hypothesis, the state of knowledge By Schibon 1. Introduction Latitudinal gradients in species diversity are generally understood to be increases in the number of species from high (cold-temperate) to low (warm) latitudes (Rohde, 2011). As early as 1807, von Humboldt provided the first formulation for this hypothesis (based on climate) to explain latitudinal gradients of richness (Hawkins 2001) which has remained one of the key questions in Evolutionary Ecology. No single pattern of biodiversity has fascinated ecologists more than the increase of richness toward the Tropics (Pianka 1966; Rohde 1992; Rosenzweig 1995; Gaston and Blackburn 2000). Still, there is an astonishing lack of consensus about the mechanisms leading to this spatial variation in diversity (Hillebrand, 2004). As the search for a primary cause to this latitudinal gradient has been hampered by the increase number of hypotheses (Pianka 1966; Rohde 1992), their interdependence (Currie 1991; Gaston and Blackburn 2000), and the lack of rigorous falsification (Currie et al. 1999), it makes sense to assess the current state of knowledge on this issue. The current paper aims at updating on the current state of knowledge concerning the latitudinal diversity gradient particularly through reviewing the most dominant hypotheses and theories striving...
Words: 4662 - Pages: 19
...Ecosystems Theory Chris Smith Western Kentucky University SWRK 331 –610: Human Behavior in the Social Environment II Western Kentucky University – Owensboro March 19, 2013 Ecosystems Theory Defined The ecosystems theory as utilized in social work is an adaptation in and of itself. The ecosystems theory is a combination of ecology and general systems theory. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, ecology is “The science of the relationship between organisms and their environments [ (Bantam Dell, 2007, p. 272) ]. An ecological systems approach only tells us organisms will adapt to environmental changes and does not tell us specifically what steps the organism takes in order to adapt to change, this is where general systems theory, the second contributor to ecosystems theory, comes to play a part [ (Greif, 1986) ]. General systems theory shows how an organism’s interaction with another cannot only instigate change within itself but can also instigate change in others as well. According to Wakefield (1996), Systems are sets of interacting elements; systems can be open or closed to interaction with the outside world; systems are linked hierarchically; systems can possess states of homeostasis and equilibrium or can be in disequilibrium; systems are regulated through positive and negative feedback; and, again, causal influences are circular, in that changes in one system have consequences for other linked systems that, in turn, through feedback, have consequences...
Words: 2134 - Pages: 9
...a possible outcome to analyze and determine if the results are possible. Environmental science “The interdisciplinary study of how humanity interacts with other organisms and the nonliving physical environment” (Raven, Berg, & Hassenzahl, 2010, p. G-6). An analysis of the interconnections between living and nonliving species. Anthropocentrism “Focusing primarily or exclusively on human needs and interests” (Raven, Berg, & Hassenzahl, 2010, p. G-1). This means that an individual is self-centered, only worried about their needs or the needs of the humans. Biocentrism “Focusing on all life-forms as equally important” (Raven, Berg, & Hassenzahl, 2010, p. G-2). This means that an individual believes that all species are one, and that all live is valuable. Dualism “The state of being dual or consisting of two parts; division into two” (Dualism, 2012). This means that one was split into two equal parts. Ecocentrism “The view or belief that environmental concerns should take precedence over the needs and rights of human beings considered in isolation” (Ecocentrism, n.d.). This theory means the environment, to some individuals, is more important than other species and should be held at a higher value than others. Ecology “The study of systems that includes interrelationships among organisms and between organisms and their environment” (Raven, Berg, & Hassenzahl, 2010, p. G-5). This is a study of how all species are intertwined and how these...
Words: 1778 - Pages: 8
...Introduction Rocky seashores show gradual changes in biotic and abiotic factors across a habitat that occurs in a restricted area. This makes them a very useful "natural laboratory" for analyzing interactions among intertidal organisms, their environment and other biological processes. This biologically rich environment shows how communities in tidal areas are affected in very exposed and very sheltered sites. As the water level changes, (brought about from action of the tide) the exposure to the water with a high salinity also varies. Aberdour rocky seashore was chosen for analysis in this report, which aims to represent the abundance of species and diversity in this ecosystem reliably. It will also show the differences in variation and distribution between species in exposed and sheltered areas of the shoreline – while considering the variation and distribution at varies heights below the water line. Analysis Within a sheltered/exposed intertidal habitat, zonation is an extremely common occurrence. Duration of immersion with regards to seawater has a direct effect on the extent of desiccation, temperature and salinity stress an organism experiences (Gilman et al, 2006)[1]. Different species flourish in different levels of protection from the physical environment; wave activity frequently being the most crucial. (Ballantine, 1961)[2]. Therefore it can be assumed that the degree of exposure to wave action can directly affect these environmental factors. The more exposed areas...
Words: 1380 - Pages: 6
...动物化与自然回归 ——对《百种神秘感觉》的生态解读 Animalization and Return to Nature An Ecological Reading of The Hundred Secret Senses By QIN Yuanyuan A Thesis Submitted to the School of English and International Studies Beijing Foreign Studies University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Chinese American Literature Course Supervised by Professor Pan Zhiming June 2014 Animalization and Return to Nature A Ecological Reading of The Hundred Secret Senses I Introduction Amy Tan, born in 1952, is acclaimed for her lyrically written tales of sensibility and conflicts in Chinese-American mother-daughter relationship, in which generational and cultural divergence is highlighted. Themes of loss and reconciliation, hope and failure, friendship and familial conflict, added with mystic oriental flavor and healing power, have made Tan’s writing emblematic and well-received. Following the publication of The Joy Luck Club (1989), The Kitchen God's Wife (1991), Amy Tan’s third novel The Hundred Secret Senses (1995) again enjoys a high popularity and evokes strong responses from both readers and critics. Despite the fact that The Hundred Secret Senses still exhibits Tan’s trademarks of “a strong sense of place, a many-layered narrative, family secrets, generational conflict, Chinese lore and history”, unlike the previous two that are generally praised, this novel gets mixed opinions. Most reviewers receive the...
Words: 3928 - Pages: 16
...document represents part of the author’s study programme while at the Institute of Social Studies. The views stated therein are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Institute. Inquiries: Postal address: Institute of Social Studies P.O. Box 29776 2502 LT The Hague The Netherlands Location: Kortenaerkade 12 2518 AX The Hague The Netherlands Telephone: +31 70 426 0460 Fax: +31 70 426 0799 Contents List of Maps v List of Acronyms vi Abstract vii Chapter 1: Research Context and Setting 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Theoretical Framework 6 1.2.1 Understanding Water Scarcity 6 1.2.2 The Political Ecology Approach 7 1.3 Research Methodology: Data Collection, Analysis and Fieldwork 10 Chapter 2: Changing water regimes and livelihoods in South-Western Bangladesh 14 2.1 Introduction 14 2.2 Changing Water System in Coastal Region in Bangladesh 14 2.2.1 Impact of Poldering and Water Control 14 2.2.2 Reduced Flow of Water and Shrimp Cultivation 16 2.3 Interlinking Changes in Water System and Livelihood 16 2.4 Description of the Study Area 17 2.4.1 Features of Livelihood And Categorization of Farmers 19 Chapter 3: Conflicting Livelihoods, Contested Waters and Contradictions in Institutional Arrangements 21 3.1 Introduction 21 3.2 Expansion of Shrimp Cultivation: From Green Revolution to Blue Revolution 21 3.3 “From...
Words: 19400 - Pages: 78
...Individual Case Analysis on the Paper “Wal-Mart under Attack” • Why does Lee Scott, CEO, felt the need to present the Wal-Mart social responsibility commitment to the public? “At Wal-Mart, we do not really see it as philanthropy or CSR or the Triple Bottom Line. All of those approaches have merit and can have an impact…….. As businesses, we have a responsibility to society. We also have an extraordinary opportunity. There is no conflict between delivering value to shareholders and helping solve bigger societal problems.” Lee Scott, President and CEO, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. National Retail Federation January 12, 2009. Since Lee Scott announced the company’s environmental goals, on “21st Century Leadership speech”, that included: to be supplied 100% by renewable energy; to create zero waste; and to sell products that sustain natural resources and the environment; there has been a constant effort toward being “green”. With the constant organized criticism regarding the Wal-Mart “way” of operating and their unsustainable growth model. A new and required position towards the Triple Bottom Line needed to be taken and the most important thing they required to make a big thing about it, make it public. Come on, they are the biggest company on the world, they are subject to lots of envies and/or disapprovals, and customers are changing the point of view regarding Wal-Mart. Even the media has had his share on criticizing Wal-Mart, on September 15, 2004, Wall Street Journal declared...
Words: 1669 - Pages: 7
...Marine Mycology: An Overview of Pathogens, and Secondary Metabolites Introduction and History The golden age of marine mycology occurred from 1960-1990 with the research and discovery of most of the roughly 500 species of obligate marine fungi. Much of said research was conducted from 1980-2000; this 30 year period saw the report of nearly half of the marine fungal species currently known (Jones et al. 2009; Jones, 2011). That being said, marine fungi are vastly understudied and under rated in comparison to marine plants, animals, and other microorganisms; frequently they are omitted or only briefly referenced in marine biodiversity and ecology text books (Jones and Pang, 2012). The cladistics of marine fungi is currently in a state of flux, with new taxa being discovered as molecular techniques such as DNA and RNA analysis via polymerase chain reactions, and gel electrophoresis are implemented (Ald et al 2005). Even though fungus-like organisms such as oomycetes are not fungi, marine mycologists often study them as they perform similar functions, and until recently most had been classified as fungi based on their morphological similarities (Jones, 2011). These fungus-like organisms are eukaryotic, heterotrophic, zoospores, have chitin containing cell walls, and similar life cycles to fungi (Neuhauser et al. 2012). Conventionally terrestrial or freshwater species are also included in the marine fungal group as facultative species; this is due to their active ecological...
Words: 4679 - Pages: 19
...Identifying with the structure , with meta labels and so on also has an effect on the individual, this is the level of the internalilizng of values like the state or nation by the individual subject. Indeed, as Lacan’s studies show, the very formation of the sense of I within the subject is socially mediated, with deep psyanalytic elements. These are important as they play out on larger scales too. Works like those of Goulding show that science is supposed to illuminate but in practice it can creagte methodologies and labelling systems that have an obfuscating effect. The sociology of science shows how the language of science is that of the gazing eye, the big other labelling and mechanizing the organic system. In fact, robbing the organic system of agency and autonomy, like the labelling and surveillance in penal institutions. Focualt’s term, biopoer is relevant in this context. Involutary cognition and emotion, quantum uncertainty, these show that however strong the structural schema, agency is inevitable. Indeed biological life itself is a process of agency escaping structure, indeed structure becoming aware of itself. Thsi can be related to concepts of deep ecology, by harming biodiversity man is empoverishing nature and the idea of nature , indeed turning away from life and agency, and towards mechanization and the formal, solid and all seeing other, rather than the fluid, flexible, plural, and free subject. As often, biology was used to justify the social order. The social...
Words: 990 - Pages: 4
...uture evolutionary potential of the entire species (Pearse & Avise 2001; Avise et al. 2002; Frankham et al. 2002; Rowe & Hutchings 2003). Given that the current level of shark exploitation worldwide is far exceeding the reproductive capacity of many species and resulting in serious declines in some populations (Manire & Gruber 1990; Baum et al. 2003; Myers & Worm 2003), development of urgently needed and effective conservation measures will benefit from a more thorough understanding of shark mating systems. Field observations suggest that group reproductive behaviour and polyandrous copulations by females in a single mating event may be common in some sharks and batoids (Carrier et al. 1994; Yano et al. 1999; Pratt & Carrier 2001; Chapman et al. 2003). Several species of requiem and hammerhead sharks (families Carcharhinidae and Sphyrnidae, respectively) are also known to store sperm for several months after copulation, raising the possibility that viable sperm from multiple males can accumulate over a protracted mating season and be available for delayed fertilization (Pratt 1993; Manire et al. 1995). Despite these life-history strategies that might seem conducive to multiple paternity, the latter has been documented in only two shark species, the lemon Negaprion brevirostris and nurse shark Ginglymostoma cirratum. In both these cases, the study animals were from small populations (< 100 breeding animals) and sampled from a single location from insular breeding grounds in the...
Words: 6975 - Pages: 28
