iodiversity in Lake aikal
We are in a world where there is a continuous exploitation of natural resources and very little care about the environmental consequences. Rapid industrialization has created havoc to the delicately balanced ecosystems. The effect that human population has had on global ecosystem is certainly undeniable and global biodiversity is being seriously challenged. The rapid deforestation of Amazon forest, the irreparable damage that we have done to the coral reefs along the Great arrier Reef and the Caribbean coasts are examples of man made ecological disasters. Environmentalists world over are alarmed at the pace at which our economic ambitions are driving the ecosystem out of balance. The case of 'Lake aikal' offers an excellent example of one of the largest and oldest fresh water eco systems which sustains a wide variety of flora and fauna and in particular innumerable endemic species. For millennia Lake aikal's ecosystem has flourished…...
mlaBibliography
1) Anthony J. Brunello, Dr. Valery C. Molotov, "Lake Baikal Watershed," Accessed on Oct 17th 2004, http://www.worldlakes.org/uploads/Baikal_24Dec03.pdf
2) Valentin Rasputin, "Scientist Vladimir Fialkov Focuses on the Future of a Unique
Natural Wonder: crystalline Lake Baikal," People Weekly; 4/6/1987
3) Living Lakes, "Lake Baikal: Lake Characteristics," Accessed on Oct 17th 2004
Because society is built upon the concept of money, the first and most important advantage of biodiversity is economic. Commercial, agricultural and pharmaceutical value can be derived from greater biodiversity. Indeed, increased biodiversity in rainforests is beneficial, because it derives a greater likelihood for the discovery of life-saving products. Critics might however argue that the likelihood of this is not very significant, and the process of "bioprospecting" for the purpose of conservation does not compare well in terms of costs and benefits. The prospect of benefits is somewhat small and unlikely in terms of the cost incurred. Another economic possibility Atkinson addresses is the possibility of ecotourism. This is a somewhat better prospect in terms of money that tourists are willing to invest in seeing animals in their natural habitats.
In conclusion, I do not think that biodiversity is overprotected, if one is to understand the term quite literally. On the…...
mlaSources
Atkinson, Giles. (no data avail.). The Economics of Biodiversity Conservation. The London School of Economics and Political Science. http://www.fathom.com/course/21701792/session1.html
Ghista, Garda (2004). Biodiversity - Underprotected or Overprotected? Proutist Universal: Biodiversity. http://www.proutist-universal.org/archives/000416.html
Mayell, Hillary. (2001, May 17). Agriculture Viodiversity Protection Must Co-Exist in Conservation, Sutdy Says. National Geographic News. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/05/0516_ecoag.html
Valdegamberi, Stafano Antonio. (2006). Biodiversity and Agriculture. http://www.ambitalia.org.uk/organic_folder/Valdegamberi.pdf
Biodiversity
The human-caused change that is the greatest threat to biodiversity is anthropogenic climate change, which is caused by the burning of fossil fuels. This will create massive climate change, affecting the habitats where species live, causing significant issues that could affect their future survival, if they cannot adapt. This paper focuses on how these changes will affect biodiversity at the ecosystem level. The authors choose this focus because the ecosystem is a set of related entities -- individual species, for example -- but their interrelation is critical. If climate change affects a single species, it could disrupt the entire ecosystem even if the other species are not affected by the climate change. This example highlights the destructive capabilities of climate change.
One of the main points that the authors make is that a single species can and does affect an entire ecosystem. They discuss the removal of a single species, such…...
mlaWorks Cited:
Chapin, F., Zavaleta, E., Eviner, V., Naylor, R., Vitousek, P., Reynolds, H., Hooper, D., Lavorel, S., Sala, O., Hobbie, S., Mack, M. & Diaz, S. (2000). Consequences of changing biodiversity. Nature. Vol. 405 (2000). 234-242.
Cardinale, B., Duffy, E., Gonzalez, A., Hooper, D, Venail, P., Narwani, A., Mace, G., Tilman, D., Wardle, D., Kinzig, A., Daily, G., Loreau, M., Grace, J., Larigauderie, A., Srivastava, D., Naeem, S. (2012). Biodiversity loss and its impact on humanity. Nature. Vol. 486, pp. 59-67.
When increased funding is made available via investments and tourism, the space problem can also be managed with greater ease. It is vitally important to preserve as much biodiversity as possible, and to do so particularly in countries where biodiversity is richest. For this reason, conservation managers need to put practices in place to target potential investors for the future preservation of the earth and its resources.
ources
Brown, David. 1998. Participatory biodiversity conservation: rethinking the strategy in the low tourist potential areas of tropical Africa. Forest Policy and Environment Programme. http://www.odifpeg.org.uk/publications/policybriefs/nrp/33.html
Brown, Rick, Vickerman, ara & utton, Wink. 2004. Forest Management. Issues in cience and Technology, Fall. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3622/is_200410/ai_n9457080
Bruner, Aaron G., Gullison, Raymond E., Rice, Richard E. & da Fonseca, Gustavo a.B. 2001. Effectiveness of Parks in protecting Tropical Biodiversity. cience, Vol. 291, Jan. 5
Charnley, usan. 2005. From nature tourism to ecotourism? The case of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania. Human Organization,…...
mlaSources
Brown, David. 1998. Participatory biodiversity conservation: rethinking the strategy in the low tourist potential areas of tropical Africa. Forest Policy and Environment Programme. http://www.odifpeg.org.uk/publications/policybriefs/nrp/33.html
Brown, Rick, Vickerman, Sara & Sutton, Wink. 2004. Forest Management. Issues in Science and Technology, Fall. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3622/is_200410/ai_n9457080
Bruner, Aaron G., Gullison, Raymond E., Rice, Richard E. & da Fonseca, Gustavo a.B. 2001. Effectiveness of Parks in protecting Tropical Biodiversity. Science, Vol. 291, Jan. 5
Charnley, Susan. 2005. From nature tourism to ecotourism? The case of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania. Human Organization, Spring.
Many nations have developed their own laws aimed at protecting and even increasing biodiversity when possible; some well-known pieces of legislature in the United States include the Endangered Species Act, which was actually passed more than a decade before the term biodiversity was coined, and the Soil and Water Conservation Act and Clean Air Act, both of which were not specifically aimed at maintaining levels of biodiversity or slowing the rate of biodiversity oss, but which have these effects regardless (Faith 2007). Following the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992, many other nations also began passing laws, and international laws and standards were also set (Pethiyagoda 2004). Ironically, some scientists claim, some of these laws are actually so restrictive that they are prohibitive to research attempts that would aid in the conservation effort by providing deeper and richer understandings of specific ecosystems and environments that are high in biodiversity (Pethiyagoda…...
mlaReferences
Faith, D. (2007). "Biodiversity." Stanford Encyclopedia f Philosophy. Accessed 5 August 2009. http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/biodiversity/
Pethiyagoda, R. (2004). "Biodiversity laws alienate and criminalise taxonomists." Nature 429, pp. 129.
Shah, a. (2009). "Biodiversity." Global Issues. Accessed 5 August 2009. http://www.globalissues.org/issue/169/biodiversity
Biodiversity:
Interdependence of Species Results: Round Species Missing (Bead Color and Name)
Species
Color
Red
Flowers
Yellow
Bees
Orange
Trees
Blue
Humans
If trees and flowers were not part of the ecosystem, then there would be a lack of food for bees, lack of pollination for flowers, and then lack of agriculture for humans.
Explain how the ecosystem was affected by the missing species for each round of the demonstration.
Round 1 = Flowers removed
Round 2= Bees removed
Round 3= Trees removed
Round 4= Humans removed
In the first round, the flowers were removed which also removed food for the bees; in the second round there were no bees to pollinate the remaining trees; in the third round there were no trees to protect, shelter and encourage flora; in the last round no humans, which had the least effect on the entire ecosystem, but without flowers, bees and trees; humans would not exist.
Hypothesis confirmed -- there is a causal relationship between species; flowers and trees need bees…...
mlaWorks Cited
Cleland, E. (2012, March). Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stability. Retrieved from nature.com: http://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/biodiversity-and-ecosystem-stability-17059965
Hogan, C. (2010, October 26). Causes of extinction. Retrieved from The Encyclopdia of Earth: http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/150962/
Pacific NW National Laboratory. (2013, October). Reduce the Environmental Effects of Human Activities. Retrieved from pnnl.gov: http://www.pnnl.gov/missions/environment.asp
iodiversity
The natural environment is the source of all our resources for life. Environmental processes provide a wealth of services to the living world -- providing us with air to breathe, water to drink and food to eat, as well as materials to use in our daily lives and natural beauty to enjoy.
Complex ecosystems with a wide variety of plants and animals tend to be more stable. A highly diverse ecosystem is a sign of a healthy system. Since all the living world relies on the natural environment, especially us, it is in our best interests and the interests of future generations to conserve biodiversity and our resources.
I know that some may argue that some species have become extinct, with no obvious effect on the environment. I put forth an answer to that statement; the Earth's systems are so complex that we are still learning about environmental processes and resources and…...
mlaBibliography
Meadows, DH, Meadows, D.L., Randers, J. & Behrens III, W.W. 1972. Limits to Growth. London, Potomac Associates Book
Lomborg Bjorn The Skeptical Environmentalist: Measuring the real state of the world.
Dr. Gretchen C. Daily Nature's Services: Societal Dependence on Natural Ecosystems
Biodiversity
Preserving Biodiversity and the Ecosystem Services it Provides
The diversity of life found on Earth represents an enormous asset. The extent of how this asset is valued is far from understood and its value most likely far exceeds any economic estimate. However, by framing the issue in terms of economics and the benefits that the ecosystem services provide to mankind this concept will likely garner more support than using vague and disconnected rhetoric. The services nature provides are incredibly valuable to the health and well-being of humans and they need to be made aware of this fact in way in which they can begin to appreciate the value of the services nature provides them in terms in which they can appreciate. If this approach can resonate with people then it will certainly gather more support than previous attempt to engage with the population.
The most important step is to identify the best…...
mlaWorks Cited
Dennis, R., Dapporto, L., Dover, J., & Shreeve, T. (2013). Corridors and barriers in biodiversity conservation: a novel resource-based habitat perspective for butterflies. Biodiversity and Conservation, 2709-2734.
Wilheim-Rechmann, A., & Cowling, R. (2011). Framing biodiversity conservation for decision makers: insights from four South African municipalities. Conservation Letters, 73-80.
These forests "loose their leaves during the dry winter but are lush and verdant in the summer rainy season" (Lewis 82).
Some of the varieties of flora in these regions include the pink trumpet, cardinal sage and the spider lily. Along the dry Pacific coastal plain, from the southern end of the Sonora desert to the state of Guerrero, the predominant vegetation is thorny bushes and small trees, including morning glory, acacias and savanna. Some of this flora occurs naturally, while others occur on over-grazed grasslands or abandoned slash-and-burn farmlands. Patches of semi-deciduous tropical forest reach almost to the sea near the Guerrero-Michoacan border. The coastal lagoons that dot the Pacific coast are home to dense mangrove forests that have thick, leathery leaves and small seasonal flowers.
As to the fauna, many animals can be found living among the lowland plains and along the edges of the vast mountainous areas both…...
mlaBibliography
Annerino, John. The Wild Country of Mexico. San Francisco: Sierra Club Books, 1994.
Arbingast, Stanley a. Atlas of Mexico. Austin, TX: University of Texas, 1975.
Butland, Gilbert J. Latin America: A Regional Geography. New York: Wiley & Sons, 1972.
Calvert, Peter. Mexico. New York: Praeger, 1973.
Biodiversity Loss Threatens Human ell-Being" the authors list a number of components of biodiversity that contribute to the long-term provisioning of ecosystem services. Those components include the amount and stability of the total biomass produced, preservation of the soil, regulation of water availability, pollination and seed dispersal, resistance to invasive species, pest control, regulation of climatic conditions through a feedback mechanism, regulation of carbon sequestration in the biosphere, and protection against natural hazards (storms, floods, fires, etc.). (Diaz 1300) hile all of these are important, the regulation of water may be the most important as water is the basis of all life. The amount of water is the limiting factor in any ecosystem and therefore is the most important aspect.
In the event that scientists are asked to restore and preserve ecosystem services the most important components would include "restoring the biological integrity in terms of species, composition, relative abundance,…...
mlaWorks Cited
Diaz, Sandra, et al. Biodiversity Loss Threatens Human Well-Being. PLoS Biology
4.8 (2006): 1300-1305. Print.
Biodiversity
The definition of "biodiversity" can be somewhat complicated, but in simple terms, "biological diversity is the variety of life and its processes; and it includes the variety of living organisms, the genetic differences among them, and the communities and ecosystems in which they occur." ("Scientific Definitions") While this definition contains several aspects, including the variety of species, their processes, and genetics, a major aspect of biodiversity is the communities, or ecosystems where they exist. This aspect of biodiversity also implies that the species, or organisms in a particular area are naturally occurring; and are not what are known as "invasive species." These particular species are not part of the naturally occurring ecosystem and can also cause great harm to the naturally occurring biodiversity of an area.
According to the National Invasive Species Council (NISC), and invasive species can be defined as "a non-native species whose introduction does or is likely to…...
mlaReferences
"Invasive Species Definition Clarification and Guidance White Paper." (27 April 2006).
The National Invasive Species Council (NISC). Retrieved from http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/docs/council/isacdef.pdf
"Scientific Definitions of Biodiversity." California Biodiversity Council. Retrieved from http://biodiversity.ca.gov/Biodiversity/biodiv_def2.html
Incentives to Conserve Marine Biodiversity Conservation ithin the Framework of Impure Public Goods
On the surface, environmentalism might seem like an 'easy' thing to sell to the American public. After all, marine biodiversity (to take one example) might seem like an uncomplicatedly 'good' thing -- it is necessary to preserve the health of the planet and by extension, the human species. "Biodiversity or biological diversity is defined [as] the variability among living organisms from all sources, including, inter alia [among other things], terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part: this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems" ("hat is Biological Diversity or Biodiversity," Marine Bio). Species, genetic, and ecosystem diversity are all comprised within this definition ("hat is Biological Diversity or Biodiversity," Marine Bio). However, preserving adequate biodiversity has still proven to be challenging, despite the profound need to do so.…...
mlaWorks Cited
Arriagada, Roderigo, & Perrings, Charles. "Paying for International Environmental
Public Goods." Ambio. 40.798 (2011): 789-806
Bulte, E., Van Kooten, G. & Swanson, T. "Economic Incentives and Wildlife
Conservation." Working Paper. 2003.
e., caused by humans) mass extinction (2009). It is has been noted by scientists that it takes approximately 10 million years before biological diversity can even begin to get near what it existed before it died off. Over 10,000 scientists in the World Conservation Union have come up with data showing that "51% of known reptiles, 62% of known insects, and 73% of known flowering plants are in danger along with many mammals, birds and amphibians" (2009).
McKinney and Lockwood (1999) came up with a list of traits that influence whether species are "winners" or "losers" in a human-dominated world. Traits promoting range expansion were: selected traits (small size, high fecundity); high variability; widespread; rapid dispersal; generalist (eurytopy); and human commensalism. Some of the traits promoting extinction were: selected traits (large sixe, low fecundity); low variability; rare; slow dispersal; specialist (stenotopy); and poorly adapted to human activities (1999).
As was the case…...
mlaReferences:
Biologists say planet is undergoing mass species extinction. Daily Galaxy. 2009.
Retrieved 27 Jul 2010 from:
McKinney, Michael L. & Lockwood, Julie L. (11 Nov 1999). Biotic homogenization: a few winners replacing many losers in the next mass extinction. Elsevier science,
Lake Tahoe Biodiversity
Lake Tahoe is hailed as one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States. Over the last century or two, the fish biodiversity of the area has been a sight to behold. However, biodiversity tends to change over time. This particular report focuses on fish and there is much to be said even about fish in particular. This report will consult multiple sources and will create a rough timeline of what has been happening with the fish biodiversity of Lake Tahoe over the last one hundred and sixteen years. While some fish biodiversity changes are caused by entirely natural factors, human presence and activity has surely played a role as well.
One rather odd and vexing thing that has happened with the Lake Tahoe fish population over the years has been the introduction of non-native species to the ecosystem that is the lake. Indeed, there have been some…...
mlaReferences
Associated Press. (2011). Aggressive, non-native bass discovered in Tahoe. AP Regional State
Report -- Nevada.
Goldman, C. R. (1989). Lake Tahoe: Preserving a Fragile Ecosystem. (Cover
story). Environment, 31(7), 6.
Loss of Biodiversity
Biodiversity Loss and Mitigation
This essay will discuss the environmental citizenship concept and the different theoretical debates in the context of loss of biodiversity as well as its mitigation:
In our society, the life of human beings and business management have their foundation on a multitude of benefits from ecosystems -- many blessings of nature that come from natural assets such as water, air, soil, animals and plants. To continue benefitting from these natural assets, preservation of biodiversity is very important; however, there is a lot damage taking place on biodiversity and unfortunately, the rate at which it is happening is alarming ("Biodiversity Conservation - Environment - Sustainability - About Us - Panasonic," n.d.) mostly due to large scale globalization that engenders mass production, often at the cost of biodiversity. Therefore, it is expected that corporate enterprises should see to the conservation and sustainability of resources.
Environmental and Ecological Citizenship
We are…...
mlaReferences
Biodiversity Conservation - Environment - Sustainability - About Us - Panasonic [WWW Document], n.d. URL (accessed 5.23.16).http://www.panasonic.com/global/corporate/sustainability/eco/biodiversity.html
Qatar Foundation -- Documenting The Ocean's Gentle Giants [WWW Document], n.d. URL giants (accessed 5.23.16).http://www.qf.org.qa/content/the-foundation/issue-63/documenting-the-ocean-gentle -
Doha. (2013). Study focuses on whale sharks in Arabian Gulf. Available: Last accessed 16 May 2016http://www.gulf-times.com/story/338297/Study-focuses-on-whale-sharks-in-Arabian-Gulf .
Environmental Citizenship. 2001. Available: Last accessed 14 May 2016.http://www.cep.unt.edu/citizen.htm .
Title: The Critical Reality of Global Warming: Challenges and Solutions
Introduction (300 words)
Definition and Overview: Begin by defining global warming and its relevance in the current global scenario.
Thesis Statement: Present a clear thesis that outlines your perspective on global warming, its impacts, and potential solutions.
Scope of Essay: Briefly describe what the essay will cover, including causes, effects, and mitigation strategies.
Section 1: Causes of Global Warming (600 words)
Human Activities: Discuss how industrialization, deforestation, and burning of fossil fuels contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Agricultural Practices: Explain the role of agriculture, including livestock farming and rice cultivation, in methane emissions.
Energy Consumption: Analyze how our....
Creating a 900-word essay on global warming is a substantial task. However, we can certainly help you get started with an outline, key points, and some sources that you can use to expand your essay.
"Global Warming: Understanding the Crisis and Seeking Solutions"
Certainly! Here are some science essay topic suggestions:
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6. The ethical considerations of using animal testing in medical research.
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Discuss the significance of plants in producing oxygen through photosynthesis and absorbing carbon dioxide, thus maintaining the balance of atmospheric gases.
Explore the role of plants in nutrient cycling, soil conservation, and providing habitat and food for wildlife.
Analyze the impact of human activities, such as deforestation and pollution, on plant communities and ecosystem health.
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Describe the various adaptations that plants have evolved to survive in different habitats, including deserts, rainforests, and aquatic environments.
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