...MARCH, 2015 Abstract Resource use can be defined as the derivation of benefit from that resource in economic or financial, social or cultural, political and ecological respects. Human actions or resource use have altered global environment and reduced biodiversity by causing extinctions and reducing the population sizes of surviving species. Increasing human population size and per capita resource use will continue to have direct and indirect consequences such as distorted values of plant and animal resources, inappropriate resource tenure and ownership structure as well as lack of knowledge on resource management and biodiversity conservation. Inevitably, our collective future becomes bleak as future generations will inhabit a planet with significantly less wildlife, diminished ecosystem services and an increased impoverished people. Keywords: Resource, Biodiversity, future Introduction The most significant environmental issue in the contemporary world has been resource use and biodiversity conservation. This is not unusual because humans benefit directly or indirectly from resources and its biodiversity. In the last few decades, population growth has increased manifold and consequently demand for food, dwelling space and other necessities has also increased. By implication, the activities of humans have aggravated resource use which has led to the destruction of biodiversity conservation. In addition, it has ultimately created the ecological...
Words: 3665 - Pages: 15
...PowerPoint, Keynote) (suggested length of 6–8 slides) that introduces and describes your chosen ecosystem, analyzes the impact of human activity on the ecosystem, and provides guidelines to help preserve your chosen ecosystem. Do the following in your presentation: 1. Describe the specific ecosystem that you have selected by doing the following: a. Identify the specific geographic location of the ecosystem. Note: You can use maps, written description of location, and latitude/longitude to provide the location of the ecosystem. b. Explain the major biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem. 2. Discuss the impact that humans currently have on the specified ecosystem. 3. Predict the effect of future human impact on the specified ecosystem. 4. Provide guidelines regarding human activities that will aid in preserving the specified ecosystem. B. If you choose to use outside sources, include all in-text citations and references in APA format. for Reference: Map of Chernobyl retrived from http://www.greenfacts.org/en/chernobyl/figtableboxes/map-chernobyl.htm The novel emphasizes that the "dead zone" around Chernobyl is actually rich in plant- and wildlife (which have tolerance levels for radiation different than humans). In this area, wild animals such as wolves have not only flourished in the absence of human activity, but have no fear of the humans they do encounter. http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/fact-sheets/chernobyl-bg.html Flora and fauna ...
Words: 628 - Pages: 3
...it, temperatures will continue to increase. The climate of the tropical rainforest itself is typically humid, warm, and the temperature rarely changes from daytime to nighttime. The extreme humidity causes the average rainfall each year to be around 200 cm. This type of warm temperature that ranges anywhere from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for lush growth and is very supportive of life and growth. The fact that the tropical rainforest supports great growth and life is an extremely important reason for humans to not destroy it. Species continue to become endangered and even extinct, so it is our responsibility to protect their habitat and growth as much as possible, not only for their sake, but for our own too. 2 “Explain, based on the first and second laws of thermodynamics, how energy flows through your selected ecosystem?” The Tropical Rain Forest, nowhere on earth, or ecosystem for that matter, has a richer and more blossoming biome, both in diversity and in total biomass. The tropical rain forest has a complex structure, with many levels of life. More than half of all terrestrial species live in this biome. With all this life there is a certain energy that flow that needs to be understood and how the dynamics of it operates. So first we need to understand what the “First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics” is. The...
Words: 1764 - Pages: 8
...This paper will discuss deforestation across the globe and how it affects the world’s ecosystems. Everyday, a piece of Earth’s ecosystem is demolished by human hands for the conquest for timber, minerals, and other resources. Forests cover 2% of the Earth’s surface, 6% of the landmass, and yet they house half the animal and plant species while rainforests cover twice that area. Deforestation is occurring across the globe on a scale that if it were continue at its present rate the forests could disappear within the next one to two hundred years. This raises concerns and questions. First, why should we be concerned? Second, what kind of damage could deforestation lead to animal and plant species, human existence, and to mother Earth and its atmosphere? Third, how and why the rainforests benefit the human race. To answer these questions, this paper will discuss where the most deforestation is occurring and the consequences of deforestation. Tropical rainforests are defined by two primary factors: location and amount of rainfall they receive. Rainforests receive from 4 to 8 meters of rain a year. Most of the rainfall is blocked by heavy vegetation, and water reaches the forest floor by rolling down branches and trunks. A distinctive characteristic is that the rainforests have no seasonality or no dry or cold season of slower growth. In addition, they are the Earth’s oldest living ecosystems. The rainforests are a priceless part of mother earth and their removal through deforestation...
Words: 1455 - Pages: 6
...Why did you choose your proposed course and institution? Indonesia is one of the countries which has the diversity of flora and fauna because this country is a tropical country. Each of region in Indonesia has the different type of plant and animal and has its own characters in adaptation, breeding, and reproduction. The diversity of plant and animal in Indonesia is used to support the economic society and it can show Indonesia as a country that is rich with biodiversity. Not only that, the existence of plant and animal in nature will balance the natural ecosystem. Aceh is one of the areas that supply the biodiversity for Indonesia, especially in Seulawah Mountain and Leuser ecosystem. Many environmental problems like human activity occur in those of areas such as deforestation, opening the forest land...
Words: 1459 - Pages: 6
...bonds with each other. This are continuing breaking and reforming, so the molecules can move around. Property of water Solvent Importance Metabolic processes in all organisms rely on chemicals being able to react together in solution Examples 70-95% of cytoplasm is water. Dissolved chemicals take part in processes such as respiration and photosynthesis in living organisms Liquid The movement of materials around organisms, both in cells and on a large scale in multicellular organisms requires a liquid transport medium Water molecules stick to each other creating surface tension at the water surface. Cohesion also makes long, thin water columns very strong and difficult to break Blood in animals and the vascular tissue in plants use water as a liquid transport medium Cohesion Freezing Water freezes, forming ice on the surface. Water beneath the surface becomes insulated and less likely to freeze Thermal stability Large bodies of water have fairly constant temperatures. Evaporation of water can cool surfaces by removing heat. Metabolic Water takes part as a reactant in some chemical processes Transport of water in the xylem relies on water molecules sticking to each other as they are pulled up the xylem in the transpiration stream Some small organisms make use of surface tension to ‘walk on water’ Organisms such as...
Words: 11483 - Pages: 46
...gov.za © 2011 department of Basic education isBn: 978-1-4315-0578-4 Design and Layout by: Ndabase Printing Solution Printed by: Government Printing Works CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT POLICY STATEMENT (CAPS) LIFE SCIENCES GRADES 10-12 FOREWORD by thE ministER Our national curriculum is the culmination of our efforts over a period of seventeen years to transform the curriculum bequeathed to us by apartheid. From the start of democracy we have built our curriculum on the values that inspired our Constitution (Act 108 of 1996). the Preamble to the Constitution states that the aims of the Constitution are to: • heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights; improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person; lay the foundations for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by law; and • • • build a united and democratic South Africa able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations. Education and the curriculum have an important role to play in realising these aims. in 1997 we introduced outcomes-based education to overcome the...
Words: 21816 - Pages: 88
...in time where we are more concerned about having the latest thing. While humans choose to consume natural resources our ecosystems are diminishing. In this paper I will discuss degradation, loss, effecst humans have on our planet, and the cost and benefits of human enterprise in terms of ecosystems. Degradation and Loss In past years, people have reshaped ecosystems, faster and more ample than in any time in history. While meeting fast growing request on food, fresh water, timber, and fuel. Resulting in a permanent loss in diversity of life on this planet. “These alteration we have made to our ecosystem have contributed to considerable net gain in human well-being and economic development, these gains have been achieved at growing cost in the form of the degradation of many ecosystem services” (Leemans, 2003). Effects of human activity on ecosystems Humans and technologies are disturbing the trophic structure, energy flow and the chemical balance of ecosystems worldwide. Humans move nutrients from one place to another in an ecosystem. Example; Soil from a farm can be transported into streams, and lakes, diminishing nutrients in an area causing excess to develop in another area, and disturbing chemical cycles in both areas. Introduction of toxic chemicals by humans into ecosystems have caused these chemicals to be consumed and metabolized by organisms. These chemicals eventually get consumed by animals, which are then part of the animal’s structure (or becomes part of their...
Words: 568 - Pages: 3
...| [pic] |Course Syllabus | | |College of Natural Sciences | | |ENV/100 Version 2 | | |Principles of Environmental Science | Copyright © 2011, 2009 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This course will provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies that are required to identify and analyze risks associated with environmental problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing these problems. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: • University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. • Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you...
Words: 2503 - Pages: 11
...2 AQA BIOL5: The synoptic essay AQA A2 Biology: Writing the Synoptic Essay by Dr Robert Mitchell CT Publications Copyright © Dr Robert Mitchell 2010 www.ctpublications.co.uk 0800 040 7901 Dr Robert Mitchell A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library ISBN 978-1-907769-02-3 First published in May 2010 by CT Publications Copyright © Dr Robert Mitchell 2010 The right of Robert Mitchell to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright and Designs and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher at the address below. Published in 2010 by CT Publications* 40 Higher Bridge Street Bolton Greater Manchester BL1 2HA Edition 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 *CT Publications is owned by Chemistry Tutorials located at the same address. Copyright © Dr Robert Mitchell 2010 www.biologytutorials.co.uk 0800 040 7901 3 4 AQA BIOL5: The synoptic essay CONTENTS 1. Be aware of the task you face ............................................................................ 6 What is Synoptic? ........................................................................................... 6 Will I have to learn everything? ..............
Words: 7147 - Pages: 29
...1. Discuss spread of communicable diseases and the environment’s mediating role. More people are at risk of communicable diseases than at any other time on history. Communicable diseases are worldwide problem requiring worldwide attention. Communicable diseases can weaken the strength of a nation's resources. In developing nations this poses an even greater threat. Diseases are threatening the economic stability of many developing nations. 50,000 people die everyday from infectious disease. Global development strategies are needed to reduce communicable diseases. In the future, communicable diseases are likely to grow in the United States. For the United States cannot ensure safety for its citizens without noting other diseases in the world. If the United States investigates other outbreaks, they can learn how to best prevent and treat diseases prior to them coming to the country. Numerous agencies are involved in efforts to fight communicable diseases. Just recently, a task force that was chaired by a number of agencies (CDC, FDA, NIH) developed a blueprint for agencies to develop programs to fight disease. United States agencies are also providing advice and support to the WHO, NGOs, banks and foundations. There are numerous ways to combat these diseases. Improved education and awareness of the disease is essential in preventing it. NGOs can provide training in these areas. Another way of prevention is improved living conditions. Poor sanitation, overcrowding and malnutrition...
Words: 5185 - Pages: 21
...regarded as a product of human interference. Discuss the statement in the context of the tropical biome you have studied. [40] A tropical rainforest is an ecosystem type that occurs roughly within the latitudes 28 degrees north or south of the equator (in the equatorial zone between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn). This ecosystem experiences high average temperatures and a significant amount of rainfall. In particular, I will be focusing on Borneo Rainforest, which is the oldest rainforest in the world. The island is divided among three countries (figure 1): Malaysia and Brunei in the north, and Indonesia to the south. Approximately 73% of the island is Indonesian territory. In the north, the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak make up about 26% of the island. Climate is the average weather the region receives over a 30 year period. Climate can be on a global scale or a local scale, for instance where it is mountainous more rainfall is generated therefore that region sees a different climate to perhaps a neighbouring region. Aspect and altitude also affects climate, which will be explored in greater detail. The purpose of this essay is to explore whether the natural, climatic factors have influenced the characteristics of the rainforest, or whether humans have had an influence on it. I will be focusing in the current day characteristics to start off with, and after establishing these I will then describe the climatic responses and human responses, to see how...
Words: 2738 - Pages: 11
...dates are often helpful in remembering or understanding events that occur in the natural history of evolution. However, we do not expect you to know the names of all organisms mentioned nor all dates (you may find some of the sound attachments on complicated figures useful for review). Those names and dates mentioned below are the ones to key on. The focus in this session is macroevolution which looks broadly at the time lines and changes over long intervals of time. Remember that small changes over millions of years are the framework for evolving complexity from simplicity. Summary of concepts and idea An initial step in covering this material is an understanding of the different types of cells (prokaryotic, eukaryotic animal and plant), their differences, and their place in the phylogeny of life. 1. Information from pre-class reading, Bioflix animations and briefly summarized in class discusses the fundamental components of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. You need to know the differences and understand the basic functions of the cellular components as cells as they are the fundamental units of life. 2. The 3 domain tree of life is a modern version of how we believe life to have arisen from a common ancestor(s) through branch points very early in the life history of the Earth into Bacteria (3.8 BYA) and Archea (3.7 BYA)- the prokaryotes. Single celled Eukaryotes may have appeared between 2.1-2.8 BYA and branched more recently from the Archea than...
Words: 4923 - Pages: 20
...Introduction The aim of this paper is to discuss the role of the law and science in moving us towards a more sustainable future. This will be done with the aid of selected global environmental treaties. In order to achieve this aim, the paper is going to begin with an introduction which is going to define key concepts identified. The main body will embark on the discussion at hand. The main body will begin by outlining the role of the law generally and will move on to look at the role of science generally. Thereon selected global treaties will be discussed in relation to their respective roles both at law and science. Lastly but not the least an elaborate conclusion will be given. Definition of Key Terms Environment: Environment refers to the totality of the surroundings within which humans live and exploit resources for their welfare and development. Main Body In order to effectively challenge problems that pose a threat to the earth, there is need for an effective approach which is backed by robust scientific evidence. This would ultimately usher into place a new and more powerful environmental law. In order to appreciate the relationship between the law and science, there is need for understanding of their respective roles towards the achievement of a more sustainable future. The Role of the Law The law has a fundamental role to play in the movement of protecting the environment towards a more sustainable future. In most jurisdictions in the absence of constitutional...
Words: 3209 - Pages: 13
...whole world is like, and also to let them realise that they are part the world as well. Our duty as teachers, we aid the children to develop their own way of loving and caring for the environment around them because what they do and think, affect the world around them. Developing peacefulness within them, at the same time encouraging the children to know better of their surrounding will hopefully lead to letting each child to recognise his role in this whole system of universe, and that they also play their part to safeguard their one and only one planet by becoming unity with it. To do so, Dr. Maria Montessori has prepared materials based on the 14 ‘tendencies of man’ that she has observed for many years from children with a vast diversity of cultural environments. These 14 tendencies are: exploration; order; gregariousness; communication; abstraction; curiosity; calculation; work; repetition; concentration; self-control; perfection; creativity; and independence. I believed that, it is these 14 inborn tendencies that help the children to explore and learn about their environment and the world, so that they are able to absorb the essential knowledge and non-stop improving themselves to be more advanced physically and mentally to cope with the real world as they grow, at the same time learning to love and care for their surroundings, no matter if it is a living or non-living thing. This is supported by Dr. Maria Montessori’s belief: “Montessori believed that...
Words: 2274 - Pages: 10
