biology questions 18

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1.) Agriculture in Developing Countries

In our discussion this week, we will explore, by way of a computer simulation, some of the challenges of farming in the conditions of rural poverty typical of most developing countries today. To begin, go to http://3rdworldfarmer.com. The website operates on a lean budget, so you will have to endure a brief ad before the game loads. Spend about an hour playing the game, and then answer these questions:

  1. How did you fare in the game? Were you able to win? What does “winning” in the game mean? What does “losing” mean?
  2. What were some of the hardships that you experienced in the game? How can they be overcome?
  3. How did playing the game affect your perception of what farming is like in conditions of rural poverty typical of developing countries?
  4. How is subsistence farming in a developing country, as you experienced in 3rd World Farmer, different from farming in the United States? How is it similar?
  5. What changes are needed to make agriculture more successful and life easier for farmers in developing countries? To aid you in answering this question, please review this 4-page report on sustainable agriculture for the 21st century.
  6. How might the game be modified to include the changes you propose in question 5?

In responses to classmates, compare and contrast your experience of the game with those of others. How many of your classmates won the game? What are some of the ways classmates have proposed for modifying the game to include sustainable agriculture techniques?

Your initial posting should be 250-500 words with a credible source

2.)Energy Analysis

Where does the energy that powers your home originate? Let’s find out.

Go to the following website: http://oaspub.epa.gov/powpro/ept_pack.charts
Complete the Power Profiler information. You will be provided with a report showing a breakdown of where your household energy comes from, and how this compares to national averages. It will look like this:

In your initial post, address the following:

  1. Report the region you are in, and the percentages of: non-hydroelectric renewable, hydroelectric, nuclear, oil, gas, and coal-derived energy that are in use.
  2. How do these values compare to the national averages?
  3. Discuss the differences and similarities between your regional and national values. Factors to consider: Is your area windy? Sunny? On a coast? Does your state have legislature or incentives to increase energy independence? The example above is from the Pittsburgh region, which is a major coal producer. This is reflected in the fact that this area uses far more coal for energy than the national average.

In your comments, discuss how your areas compare in terms of energy usage, and share your observations about why certain areas get energy from the sources that they do. Were you surprised by any of the findings?
Non-U.S. residents: You may either choose a region of the United States to analyze for your post, or discuss the energy sources for your region based on your own research.

Your initial posting should be 250-500 words with a credible source

3.)What’s Your Ecoregion?

For this week’s discussion, we will be learning about the various ecoregions of the United States. Ecoregions are large ecosystems that have a distinctive geography, share common organisms and have the same climate. The United States Geological Survey has classified the United States into four different levels of ecoregion, from the most broad-brush (Level I) to highly specific and detailed (Level IV). For the purpose of this project, we will be looking up our Level III bioregions, using this map to locate and identify our bioregion, and this web resource to obtain a brief description of our bioregion’s characteristics. Finally, to get a more detailed picture of your bioregion, use Google to search “[your bioregion name] bioregion” which will reveal considerable information about both the characteristics of your bioregion and the issues threatening it. Finally, answer these questions:

  1. What is the name of your Level III bioregion?
  2. What are the geographic characteristics of your bioregion?
  3. What is the climate like in your bioregion?
  4. What are some of the plants and animals that inhabit your bioregion?
  5. What are some of the threats to your bioregion? If there are several threats, rank them by severity and explain your ranking. For instance, your bioregion may be heavily logged as the greatest threat, but also threatened by urban development in two cities in one part of the bioregion.
  6. What stands out to you about your bioregion? What might motivate others to care about it and want to protect it from further harm?

In our discussion this week, explore the diverse bioregions shared by your classmates. How are they similar, and how are they different from each other? What are some common threats to the different bioregions?

Your initial posting should be 250-500 words with a credible source

4.)Letter to the Editor or a Legislator

In our lab this week, we will explore individual behaviors at home and work that we might change in order to live more sustainably and with less impact upon the environment; this is one excellent way we can all take greater responsibility for our environment. Another means of doing this is to write a letter to someone influential or someone who can get your ideas out to lots of other people. Our final class discussion will involve a letter that you write to a newspaper editor or to a legislator, concerning an environmental issue related to one of the concepts we have covered in this course. Once you have selected your topic and target audience, formulate a rationale for a statement about the topic or proposed legislation. Keep the rationale of your argument grounded in evidence-based thinking — this is not an emotional appeal. (You are expected to cite and reference at least two credible or scholarly sources in your letter.)

Example topics may include: persuade others (in your community or industry) to adopt one of the sustainable practices we have discussed, describe a proposal for reducing pollution, write an argument for or against a practice or piece of legislation being considered (at any level of government), or write a letter of support (or criticism) about a particular group’s research or conservation efforts.

  1. Write a letter addressed to the editor of a newspaper or one of your legislators, expressing your opinion and persuading others to accept your ideas.
  2. Include references to at least two sources supporting your ideas.

In our discussion this week, explore the different ideas and opinions about environmental topics shared by your classmates. Are there particular concerns common to many students? Also, feel free to offer other students recommendations for ways to make their letter more effective. Is there perhaps an additional line of reasoning that they might put forward, or another source that would enhance the strength of their argument?

Your initial posting should be 250-500 words with a credible source

 
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