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Module 1 Discussions

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Why Is Biodiversity Important?

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The term ecosystem is used to describe all of the living and nonliving components of a region where populations of different plants and animals interact to utilize the resources that allow them to live, grow, and reproduce. The California Biodiversity Council states: “Everything that lives in an ecosystem is part of the web of life, including humans. Plant, animal, and insect species interact and depend upon one another for what each offers, such as food, shelter, oxygen, and soil enrichment. Maintaining a wide diversity of species in each ecosystem is necessary to preserve the web of life that sustains all living things. In his 1992 best-seller, ‘The Diversity of Life,’ famed Harvard University biologist Edward O. Wilson—known as the ‘father of biodiversity’—said, ‘It is reckless to suppose that biodiversity can be diminished indefinitely without threatening humanity itself.’ ”

Read this article in the Western Morning News:

Walmesley, A. (April 22, 2013). Green spaces mean happier days for people living in big towns and cities. Retrieved from the Trident Online Library.

What did the story report about living in greener areas? What do you think are the benefits of spending time in the natural world? What other benefits besides mental health do components of the natural world provide (consider the resources we obtain from the natural world)?

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Last post 32 minute(s) ago by Jose Nieves

Module 2 Discussions

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Extinctions and Endangered Species

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For this discussion read: "Hang On: Biodiversity" in The Economist, Sep 14, 2013; Vol. 408 (8853): 13 (main issue) and in your initial post comment on the following:

1. What does the first line state? What evidence is given in the article to support this statement?

2. What two factors are listed as the biggest threats to biodiversity?

3. What is your opinion of GM (genetically modified) foods/seeds?

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Module 3 Discussions

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Protecting Biodiversity

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In Module 2 you learned about Earth’s history of mass extinctions and the threat of global climate change. You also explored ways that economic growth can both help and harm Earth’s biodiversity. In this module we learn more about economic principles: how they apply in the natural world, and how they drive some of the positive and negative effects of economic growth on biodiversity. For this discussion, read the article: "Special report—Biodiversity: Hearts and minds." The Economist 408.8853 (Sep 14, 2013): 10.

What is the driving force of the destruction of the elephant population? What other trades are mentioned as threats to specific animal populations? Choose one to research further and describe the market demand for the product related to the animal at risk. Are any regulations in place? How are these regulations enforced?

Module 4 Discussions

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Wildlife Management and Land Use

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Read the following articles:

Estate of nature; wildlife management. (2013, Sep 14). The Economist, 408(8853):34. Retrieved from ProQuest.

Amsterdam’s wild side (2013, Sep 14). The Economist, 408(8853):8. Retrieved from ProQuest.

Now address the following questions:

What is “culling”? How are these articles similar? What is different about the land use? How do you think the population should be controlled?

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Module 5 Discussions

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Technology

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Use the Trident Online Library to search Scientific American for technological advances that address one of the current issues facing biodiversity as our population and economies grow:

· Limitation of resources: water, food production, energy production

· Endangered species: habitat loss/land use; facilitating reproduction and/or population monitoring for endangered species

Post your findings for this module’s Discussion and be sure to respond to other students’ findings to meet participation requirements.

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Module 6 Discussions

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Integration and Reflection

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In this final Discussion, I would like you to reflect on what you have learned throughout this course. You should discuss how well you met course outcomes in addition to how this course may inform your future courses and career choice. Finally, you should discuss how you can endeavor to continually improve your knowledge in the subject area of this course.

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