1. Human Impact/Conservation
Okay...youâve (hopefully) learned a lot about biology this semester. We have gone
from atoms, molecules, and cells through organisms and homeostasis, to populations,
communities, and ecosystems. Whew! Even though we started small, we still addressed
larger topics early on. Conversely, now that we have ended our intellectual journey with
ecosystems, we have circled back to talk about elements and molecules and cells. Over
the last couple of lectures, we have talked about human impact and conservation issues
that are challenging the global community.
1a. Of the human impact issues we talked about in class over the last week or two,
take one of them further.
⢠Clearly identify the issue you will be focusing on, and explain why
it is an important issue to address.
⢠Explain the biological principles addressed with this kind of
human impact.
⢠Examine what the natural order of things would be like without
humans being a part of the picture
⢠Next, re-insert humans into the picture. Identify the normal
biological properties that are impacted by this human activity,
and explain the impact disruption.
the issue would be deforestation.
In your answer, be sure to use specific biological examples and facts from your
notes and text. Use your new-found knowledge by applying it to show the
scientific basis behind one of the environmental crises our planet faces.
1b. Okay, now that the problem is identified and the nature of the disturbance is
explained, letâs talk solutions.
⢠How would you resolve this issue? What kind of societal things
can you install to bring about solution? Be practical in your
response. Identify stakeholders in the problem/solution, and the
(sometimes) competing interests
⢠Using what you know from this course (your notes and text),
explain how your above solution(s) resolve the underlying
biological problem(s).
In your answer, be sure to use specific biological examples and facts from your
notes and text. Use your new-found knowledge by applying it to show the
scientific basis behind a solution to one of the environmental crises our planet
faces.
