A. Read pages 139-145.
Due 8 December.
Terms &
Concepts:
Appreciate that the effects of human activity on the environment is not
a new problem. Use the history of Hawaii as an example of how humans
have deliberately and unwittingly altered ecosystems, at times causing
widespread extinction of plants and animals. Understand that this loss
also includes the "services" provided to societies by ecosystems. Be
able to describe the stages that society often evolves through
including the hunting and gathering stage, agriculture, and our
urban/industrial society. Be able to discuss how each of these stages
of development interacted with the biosphere from both positive and
negative points of view.Appreciate the significant changes our
agricultural technologies have moved through to the present day
monoculture. Understand new developments in agriculture in particular
the so called "green" revolution and its reliance on modern
technologies. Finally, understand the advantages and disadvantages of
living in large industrial and urban settings. Be able to discuss the
benefits to humans of urban life and the dangers our cities pose for
the biosphere.
Questions
pages 163-164: 1-3, 12, 13.
B. Read
pages 144-149. Due 11 December .
Terms &
Concepts:
Distinguish between renewable and nonrenewable resources and be able to
give examples of each. Understand how these terms are related to the
concept of sustainable development. Be able to describe why soil is an
important renewable resource and explain how human activity can lead
to erosion and desertification that destroys our ability to sustain
this resource. Be aware of the over harvesting of resources in our
forest and fisheries that lead to deforestation and overfishing. Be
able to interpret graphs similar to those on page 147. Use the diagram
on page 148 to understand the origin of smog and acid rain and the
consequences of air pollution.
Questions
pages 163-164: 4-5, 14-16, 25...
C. Read
page 150-156. Due 16 December.
Terms &
Concepts:
Understand the biodiversity in its broadest sense and its
relationship to ecosystem, species, and genetic diversity. Appreciate
the value associated with these various forms of diversity to humans.
Be able to discuss specific examples of how we have benefited from
biodiversity. Be able to discuss examples of how human activity has put
biodiversity at risk. Appreciate the consequences of habitat
fragmentation, the over demand for wildlife products, the biological
magnification, and effects of invasive species on biodiversity and
their results including extinction and endangered species. Be able to
describe various efforts to protect our environment from these threats
to biodiversity. Be able to interpret the map of biological hot spots
on page 156
Questions
pages 163-164: 6-9, 17-18, 28.
D. Read
page 157-160. Due 19 December.
Terms &
Concepts:
Be familiar with the history and current research efforts that
address the threat of ozone to the atmosphere and the factors
that are changing the world climate. Be able to describe the evidence
for changes caused by depletion of the ozone layer and global warming
and efforts to reverse these problems.
Questions
pages 163-164: 10-11, 19-20, 24.
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Homework Page.
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