Al Gore Speaks on Global Warming

Al Gore spoke of the critical issue facing the world today...Global Warming. The strongest point that he made in this speech is that global warming is a symptom of a bigger and deeper underlying issue. The issue is that we are witnessing a collision between our civilization and the earth and three factors are responsible for that: population growth, scientific and technological revolution, and our way of thinking. In my opinion, the weakest point of his speech is that global warming can be validated by record cold temperatures, just as easily as warmer temperatures. Gore believes that by conservation, a reduction in emissions and political activism, a solution is possible. In my opinion, the impacts that humans have on global warming is minute to the impacts of natural causes. I do agree, however, that it is our duty to future generations to take care of the global environment to the best of our ability.

Do You Know What Possibly Has More Genes Than You?

The Coral may possibly possess the same amount, if not more, of genes as humans do! Also more amazing is that as distant as it is from humans, it possesses many of the same genes in the immune system as humans do that protect against disease. Corals are among the simplest animals in the world – yet they may possess a set of genes as large and complex as our own. Scientists have found that around 10 or 12 percent of the known coral genes are in fact shared uniquely with vertebrates – these are genes that have been lost from all other animals so far examined. These include genes for the development of nerves, vision, DNA imprinting, stress responses and key immune system genes. This discovery is great in relation to all vertebrates.

Bugs Trafficing Carbon Underground

The exchange of carbon underground is ten times greater than carbon produced by burning fossil fuels. There is a particular fungi located on almost 80% of plant roots that is assisting in the trafficing of carbon. This fungi produces filaments that spread widely throughout the soil and help the plants take in water and phosphates. The major pathways produced by fungi lets the carbon travel from the plants to the soil more readily. The discovery of this fungi helps researchers determine what what preserves a healthy soil and providesrecycled carbon for supporting below ground biodiversity. It will alsoopen up a new understanding of the food-webs and nutrient flow in soil which is fundamental to sustainable agriculture.

Alien Predators are More Dangerous Than Native Predators

In a new study, experts believe that introduced, or "alien," predators are more dangerous than native predators because their prey are naïve to the hunting tactics of alien predators.
In contrast, where predators and prey have coexisted for long periods, prey often respond by developing behaviors and defenses such as camouflage coloring that prevent detection or help them escape an encounter with a familiar predator.
The revelation of these findings provides a challenge of how to create the best programs to protect native species from predation. Scientists believe that more frequent contact between predator and prey populations has made prey populations less naïve to alien predators by exposing them to similar predator behaviors. Ongoing predation pressure means that remnant populations of prey are very vulnerable to extinction from other pressures such as diseases and habitat loss.
Particular measures should be taken to help protect prey from alien species.

More information on this topic can be found here: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070314093316.htm

Deformed Frogs found in Minnesota

Deformed frogs have been found in Minnesota and other parts of the U.S.A. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency began a study to determine the reasons for deformity, but discontinued the study shortly after. Most of the frogs suffer from deformities of the legs and/or eyes. This is important because frog species throughout the country are suffering and diminishing. These frogs tend to serve as an alert to our environment that something is going wrong. Frogs are especially sensitive to pollution because they live where land meets water, and can simply absorb pollutants through their skin. What can you do in your area to help the frogs? Help protect them and the environment by reducing the amount of harmful chemicals that are used and disposed of, and keep a close watch on frogs in the area to ensure that no deformities are present.

To find out more information about the deformed frogs and how you can help and support frogs in your area visit this website: http://www.pca.state.mn.us/hot/frogphotos.html

Critical Thinking Model: How it relates to Ecologists

The Critical Thinking Model can be used as a guide for professionalism in any career. Specifically in ecology, the critical thinking model is extremely beneficial because it keeps the ecologist on track and ensures that thinking is occuring at the highest level possible. Using this model, ecologist can professionaly learn and represent the various elements involved in the surrounding natural world to the best of their ability. Initially, an ecologist will identify a specific topic of interest and/or concern to study. Identifying this concept can be difficult because so many different subcategories of ecology exist. Once a specific interest is identified, the ecologist begins to gather all sorts of information to assist in the particular study. Gathering information will take quite a while, but it is essential to gain a deep understanding and representation of the topic. After gathering vast amounts of information, ecologists must examine it to sort through the redundant and unnecessary information. Without this ability, ecologists would be bogged down in trying to understand every single detal of a topic, rather than the important and vital aspects. Next, the examination of this information will lead to the formulation of ideas. Ecologists base their hypotheses on observations, and experiments in order to formulate new facts about a particular area. Formulation must occur on a deep level, so that ecologists are accurately representing new information to its fullest extent and so that new information is being applied correctly. Applying what is learned can be difficult without careful attention and critical thinking. The application must be beneficial to the subject, but also informative and correct. After applying all of the information, the professional ecologist must have the ability to evaluate their own work. Evaluation is a professional skill that helps one to recognize the pros and cons of a particular study, and also provides the ecologist with insight into his/her own ability. Finally, throughout the model of critical thinking, the ecologist must continuously reflect on previous achievements or failures to assist in improving future endeavors. Reflection is not only important at the end of the cycle, but also during each and every step.