This Issue focuses on a research article by Blaustein and Johnson (2003) that was published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. The article discusses amphibian deformities, which may be related to a global decline in amphibians. By working with this paper and additional figures, students come to appreciate the complexity of biodiversity loss. Specifically, they gain an understanding of...
In this report, biodiversity and its relevance to the ecosystems that support humanity is discussed. Ecosystem functioning is defined as the collective activities of all biota within an ecosystem and how they affect its chemical and physical factors; therefore, it can be negatively impacted by decreases in biodiversity-the wide variety of life forms inhabiting the planet. The ecological and...
This report is an introduction to exotic species invasions. An exotic species becomes invasive, when it proliferates unchecked across the region in which it was introduced. The transformation from immigrant to invader and how humans act as dispersal agents is explained. Attributes of invaders, effects on native community, global ecological and economic consequences, prevention, and long term...
This report discusses the negative and positive aspects of aquaculture as an alternative to harvesting wild stocks of fish. The report defines aquaculture and describes its recent growth, as well as its ecological impact. Practices to sustain aquaculture operations, such as habitat modification and the use of wild-caught seedstock are discussed. Changes to ocean food webs, the introduction of...
In this Issue, students examine published data that address the causes of coral and seagrass decline in Florida. Activities engage students in data analysis and hypothesis testing and will increase their understanding of the complexities of ecological phenomena.
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