Bartleby

Bartleby

            In the story about Bartleby, written by his supervisor, the supervisor discusses many aspect of the office him and Bartleby worked in. There were a total of five people working in this law firm on Wall Street. The employees consisted of Bartleby, Melville, Ginger Nut, Turkey, and Nippers. Most of the employees are team players and tend to participate in work together when instructed to, but Bartleby stood out to his supervisor, Melville. As the author states, “Bartleby sat in his hermitage, oblivious to everything but his own particular business there.” (paragraph 50) Melville thought that Bartleby lived at the office, he never saw him leave or eat anything other than Ginger Nuts, and this was an interesting lifestyle to Melville. Bartleby is the hero of Melville’s story in his refusal to participate in a workplace that represents the sad, dreary atmosphere of a bureaucratic, industrialized society.

            Bartleby was hired to helped assist Melville in comparing documents and revising them. It was not long before Melville quickly realized the kind of employee that Bartleby truly was, and this startled him at first. “It was on the third day, I think, of his being with me, and before any necessity had arisen for having his own writing examined, that, being much hurried to complete a small affair I had in hand, I abruptly called to Bartleby…Bartleby in a singularly mild, firm voice, replied, ‘I would prefer not to.’” (paragraph 21.) As Bartleby declined the request he showed no emotion, agitation, or even the slightest bit of apology on his face. This response was the first of many regarding Bartleby. Each time he was asked to review documents or join the group for revisions he had declined the offers. Melville was shocked. “Had there been the least uneasiness, anger, impatience or impertinence in his manner; in other words, had there been anything ordinarily human about him, doubtless I should have violently dismissed him from the premises…I stood gazing at him awhile, as he went on with his own writing, and then reseated myself at my desk.” (paragraph 25) It was shortly after this incident Melville realized that Bartleby just liked to be alone and do his work alone. He so much liked to be on his own that he did not want to participate in revising his own documents. “These are your own copies we are about to examine. It is labor saving to you, because one examination will answer for your four papers.” (paragraph 36) Bartleby declined the offer once again. This decline makes Melville start to question his other employees and ask them what they think of Bartleby’s actions. As expected, the other employees agree with Melville and disregard Bartleby. “Nothing so aggravates an earnest person as a passive resistance…Even so, for the most part, I regarded Bartleby and his ways. Poor fellow! Thought I, he means no mischief; it is plain he intends no insolence; …He is useful to me.” (paragraph 53)  Where most employees would find this kind of reaction as disrespectful and lazy, Melville found it intriguing and an advantage for himself.

            The reason this intrigued him is because the other employees ran around and did what they were told and Bartleby went by his own faith and decided to be his own boss. As a supervisor this is helpful because it takes more stress off of Melville and he can entrust Bartleby to be a self-starter and motivator and know that his work will be complete. It is a sad and dreary work place because not everyone is treated as an equal and the business more ran like a dictatorship, because Melville is always calling the shots.

            As Melville quickly realized with Bartleby, it was going to be a process and learning experience to work with someone like Bartleby. There were many times of frustration and enlightenment while working with Bartleby that helped Melville become a better employer. As Bartleby became a hero to Melville by showing him that there were other ways to run a firm and did not always have to be by a bureaucratic, industrialized society.

Work Cited

Melville, Herman. “Bartleby The Scrivener, A Story of Wall Street.” New York: Putman,

1853.  https://www.bartleby.com/129 23 February 2012 (accessed.) 

Bartleby

" I am a man who, from his youth upwards, has been filled with a profound conviction that the easiest way of life is the best. Hence, though I belong to a profession proverbially energetic and nervous, even to turbulence, at times, yet nothing of that sort have I ever suffered to invade my peace. I am one of those unambitious lawyers who never addresses a jury, or in any way draws down public applause; but in the cool tranquillity of a snug retreat, do a snug business among rich men’s bonds and mortgages and title-deeds. All who know me consider me an eminently safe man." pg. 3

The reason I have chosen this quote is because I can relate to him. I also enjoy a slow, easy paced life as well. I believe that he chose a career in the fast pace of being a lawyer because it challenged him to be outside of his comfort zone. His job was where he was able to exert his energy and be pushed to be better and better, but never losing his sense of calmness and self peace. He also refers to himself as a “safe” man, which is why I think wealthy business men chose him to handle their bonds, mortgages, and title-deeds, because they knew he would be responsible with their money and not risk it. 

Unit Compilation 1

Chapter 1: Understanding Our Environment

Understand Our Environment

            In this course we will discuss important environmental problems.

            We will also be finding many valuable solutions to these environmental problems.

We live on a MARVELOUS planet

            Earth and its conditions are very unique. Earth has many resources and a lot of         supplies that we need to survive but we also depend on the species living in           biological communities.

Our Planet has Amazingly Rich Diversity of Life

            Earth is populated by millions of species that work to live together to build   habitable environments.

            With the work of the species, they can build communities and livable ecosystems.

What is Environmental Science/Biology

            The study of our environment and our role in it is known as environmental science.

Environmental Problems: POPULATIONS

            With humans multiplying by the millions every year, the earth and its natural            resources are becoming compromised.

Signs of Hope: POPULATIONS

            In the last 25 years the number of children per woman has decreased immensely.

Environmental Problems: Food Supply

            Food production has increased faster than the growth of human population, but        without a doubt it is still a problem.

            Many factors play into the role of why at lease 60 million people go hungry.

Signs of hope: Food Supply

            With scientific discoveries, the traditional cultures are able to be rediscovered.

            Farming has increased the supply of food

Environmental Problems: Climate Change

            With the increase of human population there has also been an increase in the use      of green house gases.

            If we do not start making changes, we may see a global raise in temperature of         about 2 to 6 degrees Celsius.

Environmental Problems: Air Quality

            Air quality through out the years has been getting worse, especially in Southern       Asia.

            If not careful we could see a rise in the deaths of millions of people from diseases    caused by air pollution.

Environmental Problems: Clean Water

            Over a billion people do not have the luxury of safe drinking water.

            Unsafe water takes the lives of more than 15 million people a year.

Signs of Hope: Health

            Life expectancy has almost doubled and life threatening infections has also   decreased in the last century.

           

Signs of Hope: Pollution

            Countries worldwide are changing the way their industries poor out pollutants         into the air.

Environmental Problems: Energy Resources

            Fossil Fields are diminishing worldwide and we need to invest in new ways to        conserve energy in a cleaner way.

Signs of Hope: Renewable Energy

            With the development of wind energy, solar, wave, and tidal energy we will be        able to reduce the amount of pollutants that are released into the air.

Environmental Problems: Biodiversity Loss

            By the rise of organisms and the destruction of habitats, the elimination of species    is growing rapidly.

Signs of Hope: Conservation of Forests and Nature Preserves

            Worldwide the increase of protecting areas is on the rise. Places around the world    have slowed deforestation, and is working to protect forests.

Environmental Problems: Marine Resources

         By the amount of fisheries world wide there is starting to be a depletion in fish            which needs to be better managed.

Signs of Hope: Protection of Marine Resources

         With the rise of marine reserves we are able to start approaching ways to protect         our marine ecosystems.

Human Dimensions of Environmental Science

         Poverty Causes Environmental Damage

            Woman and children are mainly the ones who lack decent health and a                                  productive life

            About 1/5 of human population live in acute poverty

         Reducing Poverty Can Help the Environment

            While poor people have to live in poor areas they are the ones that have to                            learn to live the longest without the necessities of a healthy life.

Affluence also has Environmental Costs

         In countries where poverty is not a big problem, the production of natural        resources is at a high rate of giving off pollutants and waste.

Sustainability is a Central Theme

         Sustainability is the relationship between ecological and human progress.

         Sustainable Development: making sure everyone has what they need without putting future generations at risk.

Where do Rich and Poor Live?

         Mostly rich people live in North America while billions of people live in nations         where they earn only about $620 dollars yearly.

        

Indigenous Peoples are Guardians of Much of the World’s Biodiversity

         Indigenous people use wisdom to remain living in their traditional homelands.

Science Helps Us Understand Our Environment

         Science is knowledge produced by watching natural phenomena.

         By studying science we learn what our environment can do for us and what we           can do for our environment.

        

Science Depends on Skepticism and Accuracy

         Reproductability is making sure you produce the same results consistently.

        

Deductive and Inductive Reasoning are Both Useful

         Deductive Reasoning is general to specific

            Study of phenomena for a while using existing conclusions and see if                                   anything new happens.

         Inductive Reasoning is using observations to produce a general rule

            Observe patterns and collect data to come up with a conclusion

Understanding Probability

         Probability is the number of desired outcomes divided by the total number of outcomes to find out the probability of something to occur.

Experimental Design

         Observations that have already occurred are an example of a natural experimental.

         Manipulated experiments have been altered while all other variables remain the            same.

         Blind Experiments are when the data is fully analyzed before the group that has           been treated is known.

         Double Blind Experiments are treatments to a group and a control group but the          researcher does not know which is which.

Science is a Cumulative Process

         Paradigm shifts are major shifts in science due to new ideas.

        

What is Sound Science?

         Sound Science: when you hear the term sound science, ask yourself simple     questions like how reliable are the sources and how does this claim fit with what        we already know.

Is Environmental Science the same as Environmentalism?

         Environmental science is the study of the environment in which we live

         Environmentalism is the awareness that we need to take care of the environment

Critical Thinking

         Used to describe logical order, analytical assessment of ideas, evidence and an argument.

         It is also important in everyday life and should always be exercised.

Where Do Our Ideas About the Environment Come From?

         Nature protection has historic roots. Us as humans have been cutting down trees         and farming on lands for a long time, which means we have been damaging the   environment for a long time. Even wild life has done massive damage to the             environment as well.  

Roosevelt & Pinchot Begin Pragmatic Utilitarian Conservation

         President Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot thought that the forest needed to be   saved for future generations so that we could build homes and have jobs.

Ethical and Aesthetic Concerns Inspired the Preservation Movement

         The first President of the Sierra Club was John Muir and he felt that nature     needed to exist using spiritual and aesthetic values.

         John Wesley Powell argued that we needed to organize settlements around water        and water shed because he felt it would help us be more conservative.

Wild Life Ecologist Aldo Leopold Pushes a “Land Ethic”

         Aldo wrote respectful essays for the land and he planted trees in hopes of        restoring the health and beauty of the land.

Rising Pollution Levels Led to the Modern Environmental Movement

         Poor air quality took thousands of lives in 1952, which led to the rising of the             Silent Spring by Rachel Carlson.

Environmental Pioneers David Brower and Barry Commoner

         David Brower was an activist who introduced different techniques of environmental lobbying.

         Barry Commoner was a molecular biologist that found links between science technology and environment.

        

Global Environmentalism

         Developing nations that are in poverty produce many environmental thinkers.

         Sustainable development is the idea that the world poorest populations are able to        improve without ruining the environment.

Conclusion

         Environmental Science helps us understand what it is that we can do to ensure the       quality of life on earth.

         Although we face many problems, we have overcome a lot of them as well.

        

Chapter 2:  Environmental Systems

Systems describe interactions

            A system is made up of processes and components that work interdependently.

            For example: When you think about a baby being born it’s a system that must          take place between cells that make up the human body.

            Systems can be described in General Terms

A simple system consists of two factors.

            State Variables- store necessary resources such as matter, water and energy.

            Flows- are the way resources move from variable to variable.

State Variables and Flows Example:

            A great example of the interaction of these two is simple. Take a food chain, the       sun helps feed the plants through photosynthesis, then an herbivore or plant eater            comes along and eats the plants. Then a carnivore or a meat eater comes along          and eats then eventually the top order consumer will die and decomposers will eat   his body and the chain continues.

Systems can be described in terms of their characteristics

            Closed system- does not allow the exchange of energy or matter with its                   surroundings.

            Open system- they take in inputs from their surroundings and then they put out        puts that leave the system.

Throughput- a scientific name that describes what’s flowing throughout the system.

            Positive and Negative Feedback

            Positive feedback is when the state variable sees an increase then leads further          increases to the same variable.

            Negative Feedback- is when a system is left worse than before.

            EX: A pack of wolves eat all of the rabbits in their ecosystem, with the lack of         food the wolves start dying off.

Systems Exhibit Stability

            Homeostasis- is a trend of a system that usually remains the same and doesn’t          seem to ever change.

            Stability is hard to maintain if there isn’t any negative feedback helping to     complete the loops.

Systems Typically Exhibit Fluctuations

            Disturbances- anything that occurs in a system in a negative or harmful way.

            Disturbances can cause irreplaceable damage.

            In some cases if the disturbance wasn’t to intense, ecosystems can rebuild    themselves in a process called Resilience.

            If the eco system is unable to bounce back and return to normal they go through a    State Shift.

Emergent Properties and Systems

            Emergent Properties- In an ecosystem relationships take place between plants and    animals while they benefit from one another through the ability to think, share,

            love and understand.

Elements of Life

            Matter- is what everything is made up of. The best way to understand matter is to    think of it as anything that takes up space.

            Atoms- characteristics of elements made up of tiny pieces that stay together with      the force of energy.

            Every atom contains electrons, neutrons and protons.

Matter is Recycled

            Matter has three stages of make up solids, liquids and gas

            Conservation of matter- matter is always moving and transforming. It never             disappears it just leaves to recombine or to transform.

Elements have Predictable Characteristics

            Elements- are different types of atoms that make up matter.

            Elements are already in simple form and they cannot be broken down by ordinary    chemical reactions.

            Only four elements are needed to make up 96% of mass of living organisms            carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen.

Charged Atoms are called Ions

            Ions- are charged up atoms or a group of Atoms.

            Negatively Charged Atoms- are ions that have extra electrons or referred to as          Anions.

            Positively charged Ions- can be referred to as Cations.

Electrical Charge Keep Atoms Together

            Compounds- when atoms of elements group together.

            Molecule- is formed when a group of Atoms exists as one unit.

Common Molecules

            Acids and Bases Release Reactive H+ or OH-

            Acids- are Hydrogen ions that have been given up in water.

            Bases- substances that seems to like to group up with H+

            Organic Compounds have a Carbon Backbone

            Organic Compounds- are made up from chains of carbon.

Four Categories of Organic Molecules

            Lipids- are fat that are stored in cells for energy.

            Carbohydrates- store and provide energy to the cells also includes glucose.

            Proteins- give the cells their structure as well as perform many functions.

            Nucleotides- are an important source of energy in the cell and are composed of         five carbon sugars.

Organic Molecules

Cells are the Fundamental Units of Life

            Cells- are what organisms are made up of.

Nitrogen and Phosphorus are Key Nutrients

            Air from plants catches up carbon while oxygen and hydrogen come from water      and air.

            Other elements such as Phosphorous and Nitrogen make up sugar, proteins and       nucleic acids within cells.

Energy

            Energy- is described as moving matter over a distance and transferring heat between different temperatures and objects.

Kinetic Energy

            Kinetic Energy- is the energy that’s contained in moving objects

            EX: Waves crashing on the shore and an avalanche rolling down a hill.

Potential Energy

            Potential Energy- is energy that has been stored and that is ready for use.

            EX: A fire contained within the fire pit.

Energy Basics

            Heat- is energy that’s transferred between objects or different temperatures.

            First Law of Thermodynamics- is a statement that energy is to be conserved.

            Second Law of Thermodynamics- is a statement that when energy is transferred in   a system less energy is able to work.

            Entropy- is disorder tends to help all natural systems.

Energy for Life

            Primary Producers- are green plants that depend on the sunlight, air and water

            Photosynthesis- is a process where plants trap sunlight in order to grow.

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

How does Photosynthesis Capture Energy?

Respiration and Photosynthesis

            Its simple plants grow then the animals eat the plants, then the animals eat the           animals and breakdown their food by cellular respiration.

From Species to Ecosystems

            Population- members living in the same area

            Community- interaction between organisms living near one another

            Ecosystem- is a community and its environment.

Food Chains, Food Webs and Trophic Levels Link Species

            Food Web- a collection of individual food chains.

Trophic Levels

            Trophic Levels- are the statuses of organisms eating status.

            Herbivores-or Primary consumers eat only plants.

            Carnivores or Secondary consumers eat meat

Decomposers Recycle Molecules in Ecosystems

            Decomposers- are the ones who eat wastes of others.

            Detritivores- eat litter and other debris

            Fungi and Bacteria- have the role of completing the breakdown and recycle the         materials.

Biochemical Cycles and Life Processes

            Compounds that make up the human body are constantly moving.

The Hydrogen Cycle

            Is a cycle where water is constantly flowing by entering the oceans then it    evaporates. The solar winds push it all over the world and once the water reaches            land in the form of rain, snow or fog it helps the environment. Eventually the           organisms that consume the water through drinking end up sweating the water out             and the moisture re enters the atmosphere and back into lakes and ultimately back     into the oceans.

The Carbon Cycle

            Carbon fixation- is when plants turn carbon dioxide into sugar.

            Carbon molecules can remain in the body until after death.

The Nitrogen Cycle

            Plants get nitrogen by bacteria living near their roots.

            Plant cells take in nitrates and build amino acids and proteins.

The Phosphorous Cycle

            Can take up to one million years

            Minerals get released from rocks and salts and become available to organisms.

            Phosphorus gets passed on from ecosystem to ecosystem through consumers.

            To much Phosphorous can be harmful to the ecosystem

The Sulfur Cycle

            Volcanoes release sulfur and deep sea floor vents because it’s tied up in the              minerals.

            Burning of Fossil Fuels also releases sulfur.

Conclusion

            The world’s environments depend on the movements of matter and energy.

            Primary producers help consumers in an ecosystem as well.

CHAPTER 3 : Evolution, Species Interactions, and Biological Communities

Evolution Leads to Diversity

Natural Selection and Adaption Modify Species

            Adaption- is the actions that take place to allow a species to live successfully in        an environment

            Natural Selection- is the passing of traits between generation to generation

Natural Selection Acts on Traits in the DNA

            Mutations- are changes to ones DNA, then passed on to offspring

            Some changes can be positive and or negative

            Many mutations occur within a lifetime giving some species advantages over           others.

            When mutation takes place the result is an animal population different from the         generations before.

All Species Live Within Limits

            The environment can act as a barrier and species will stop trying to get out and         eventually they will stay and live.

            Physiology and behaviors of species make it difficult for them to live in certain        environments.

            Tolerance Levels- are the limits both minimum and maximum that allow certain        species to survive and reproduce.

The Ecological Niche is a Species Role in the Environment

            Habitat- is the place or environment that an organism calls home

            Ecological Niche- are the factors that determine how many types of species can        live in an area. Also explains the role the species is called to do.

Niches: Generalists and Specialists

            Generalists- a large niche such as a rat

            Specialists- have smaller niches like a badger

The Competitive Exclusion Principle

            The competitive exclusion principle- is a rule that says no two species can live in      the same niche for to long.

            The species that is able to adapt and be more useful in a niche will eventually kick    the other species out.

            Resource Partitioning- the exclusion of one species from a niche due to the fact it     isn’t efficient enough.

Partitioning allows species to live together but have different schedules and different uses    for land in a niche, which helps them live peacefully together.

Speciation

            Speciation- is the process of new species

            Geographic Isolation helps with the Allopatric Speciation because the species           come up in locations where they don’t overlap one another.

Three Patterns of Species Divergence

            The two populations can begin to move apart only after isolation has taken place.

            Population traits are continuously shifting over a time lapse because all the   characteristics of individuals are under Selection Pressures.

            Directional Selection- is when shift changes are headed towards an extreme of the    trait.

            Stabilizing Selections- is the ability for the shift to narrow the range of a trait.

            Disruptive Selections- are when the traits go to the extremes.

Taxonomy Describes Relationships Among Species

            Taxonomy- is the study of the relationships between organisms.

            Binomials- are scientific or Latin names for species

            When Taxonomic relationships are seen on paper they are put into a form of a          family tree.

Species Interactions Shape Communities of Species

Competition Leads To Resource Allocation

            Competition- is a relationship between organisms that tests one another.

            Organisms have no other choice but to compete with one another for limited             resources.

            Intraspecific Competition- is competition between two of the same species.

            Interspecific- is competition between species not of the same group.

Predation Affects Species Relationships

            In order for a species to be considered a predator the it must feed directly on             another living organism.

            With that said even herbivores are considered predators because they eat live            plants.

Some Adaptions Help Avoid Predation

            Organisms have many different ways to camouflage themselves, quick speed to                   allude predators and also poison in the glands that they can release to fend off        enemies.

Coevolution

            Coevolution- are changes both in behavioral and physical to take action against        predator or prey.

            Coevolution is helpful to all species because they can benefit from one another.

Symbiosis: Intimate Relationships Among Species

 Symbiosis: is when more than one species live with one another with the same destiny.

Among the symbiosis we have three main relationships.

                        Mutualism: both partners survival is enhanced.

                        Commensalism: while one partner succeeds the other one stays the same.

                        Parasitism: while one partner is increasing life, the other one is losing life.

Keystone Species

Keystone Species are vital to the biological community and they help maintain the ecosystem.

            You can find keystone species often in aquatic habitats.

The Growth of Species Population

            Growth without limits is exponential.

Biotic Potential: is the amount of a possible grown in population with no limitation on biological reproduction.

J-Curve of Exponential Growth

Exponential growth is known as the “J” curve because of its shape due to the limitless growth of its population. A “J” curve can also lead to an extinction of a population.

S-Shaped Logistic Growth Curve

Logistic growth results in the S Shaped curve is produced by a limiting population growth known as carrying capacity. 

Limits to Population Size

Density Dependent is the more species that live in an area the more likely they are to become prey to disease and parasites or predators that are attracted to that area.

Density Independent is when a species has limit to its population and is affected at any cost.

           

Species Patterns Create Community Structure

                        Species that live together in a community form boundaries

                        Community: a space that individuals are distributed in.

Individuals in Communities are distributed in Various Ways

            Random: resources that are randomly dispersed.

            Uniform: patterns that bring on competition.

            Cluster: how species protect themselves.

Communities are Distributed in Patterns Across a Landscape

            Core Habitat: an environment that is able to support all the species and plants that     are typically indigenous to that community.

            Ecotone: acts as a border between two communities

            Edge effects: the point where two communities meet

Community Properties Emerge from Diversity and Structure

            Complexity: the number of species that lives in the trophic levels of a community.    Some communities may have more than one trophic level with species that have          similar functions.

           

Productivity Varies in Ecosystems

            Primary Productivity: the output of biomass or energy that a community uses per     year. This productivity is dependent on the environment.

            Major ecosystem are different depending on their production of biomass.

Communities are Dynamic and Change Over Time

            Climax Community: the last community to develop but also the community that        has lasted the longest.

            Primary Succession: land that has no soil and where no organisms have lived           before.

            Secondary Succession: after a disturbance, if left alone, soon a species will create     a new community.

            Pioneer Species: a community of species that creates a habitat on primary     succession land.

           

Conclusion:

            Evolution is important because it is a way of describing how species live amongst    each other and how they are vital to their environment and the species around             hem.

Chapter 5:  Biomes and Biodiversity

Terrestrial Biomes

            Biodiversity: the amount and types of species

            Biomes: biological communities with different types of environment that take           place in different types of conditions and water fall levels.

Biomes Vary with Latitude

            Biomes can be found anywhere, whether on latitudinal lines near the equator, near   the tropics

            Biomes usually receive their names placed on their navigational area.

           

Vertical Zonation

            Vertical zonation: zones of vegetation that are defined by altitude.

            As elevation changed so does temperature, precipitation, which helps give certain     regions their temperatures.

Tropical Rainforest

            To be considered a tropical rainforest a region must accumulate more than 200 cm    of rain  per year.

Tropical Savannas and Grasslands are dry most of the year

            Regions that do not receive much rainfall to help the growth of forest are called        grasslands.

            Grasslands with very few trees are known as savannas

Deserts are Hot or Cold but Always Dry

            To be considered a desert a region must see less than 30 cm a year.

Temperate Grasslands have Rich Soils

            The reason for this is that grasslands accumulate enough rainfall for lush grasses     but not enough rainfall for forestation.

Temperate Forest can be Evergreen or Deciduous

            This type of forest has many different kinds of trees.

            Deciduous trees: lose leaves seasonally

            Coniferous trees: cone bearing

Temperate Rainforest

            Forest located on coasts are known to be the wettest.

Boreal Forest Lie North of the Temperate Zone

            Boreal Forest is inhabited by coniferous trees because they can bare cold      weather.

Tundra can Freeze in Any Month

            Due to its high latitudes temperatures remain below freezing most of the year and     due to this there is low diversity.

Marine Ecosystems

            Phytoplankton: photosynthetic algae who’s main job is to support the marine food   web.

Open Ocean Communities Vary from Surface to Hadal Zone

            Ocean Systems

                        Benthic: zones that occur at the bottom of the ocean

                        Pelagic: water column zones

            Epipelagic: is consumed by photosynthetic organisms.

            Mesopelagic and Bathypelagic zones are below the epipelagic zone.

            The Abyssal zone and Hadal zone are the deepest layers in the ocean.

            Littoral zones are known as shorelines

            Intertidal zones are the area that gets exposed when low tides occur.

Deep-sea Thermal Vent Communities

            Microbes that capture sulfur compounds that are released from vents on the ocean    floor.  

           

Tidal Shores Support Rich Diverse Communities

            Coral Reefs: is a vast region for many organisms in the ocean to live.

Tidal Shores: Man Groves

            Mangroves are trees that grow along marine coast that are able to handle salt            water.

Tidal Shores: Estuaries and Salt Marshes

            Estuaries are areas where rives run into the sea

            Salt Marshes are wetlands that are regularly flooded with seawater

Tidal Shores: Tide Pools

            Tide pools: water that stays in rocky shores lines at high tide as well as low tide       that hold water.

Fresh Water Ecosystems

            There are not too many fresh water environments but still remains the center of        biodiversity.

            Almost all terrestrial communities need some form of fresh water.

           

Wetlands are Shallow and Productive

            Wetlands are areas of land that is saturated most of the year.

            Vegetation can grow under saturated conditions.

           

Wetlands are Described by their Vegetation

            Swamps are areas saturated in water with trees

            Marshes: areas saturated in water without trees

            Bogs: areas of water that contain a layer of underwater vegetation

Streams and Rivers are Open Systems

            Streams form wherever waterfall is abundant.

            The bigger a stream the better a chance it creating a river.

Conclusion:

            Temperature and precipitation conditions determine the types and varieties of            species living in an area.

Biodiversity is variety of living things

            The three types of biodiversity are:

                        Genetic diversity: different versions on genes within a species

                        Species diversity: the number of different organisms living within a                          community.

                        Ecological diversity: richness and complexity of a biological community.

Most Scientist identify Species by Genetic Similarity

            Species: organisms that are able to produce fertile offspring

            Phylogenetic species concept: identifies genetic similarities that allows for    organisms that reproduce asexually that encounter organisms that reproduce        sexually.

            Evolutionary species concept: the history and common ancestors help to identify      the species.

Biodiversity Hot Spots are Rich and Threatened

            Only 15% of the worlds species in North America and Europe.

            A large number of the worlds biodiversity is located near the equator.

Benefits of Biodiversity

            Even though we may not notice it, we benefit every day from other organisms.         Some organisms are irreplaceable in ecological systems.

           

Biodiversity Provides Foods and Medicines

            For millions of years people have been using plants for medicine.

            Organisms that pollinate help agricultural crops.

           

Biodiversity Can Support Ecosystem Stability

            Communities with higher numbers of species may recover from environmental        stress easier.

            A way to preserve ecological services is to maintain the biodiversity.

Aesthetic and Existence Values are Important

            In the U.S. alone Americans spend about 104 billion dollars a year on wildlife         related recreation.

            Existence value is that people have an appreciation and respect for species    whether they have encountered them or not.

What threatens Biodiversity

            Extinction: when a species has been eliminated or wiped off the face of the earth

            Current Threats include:

                        Removal of forest

                        Increase in human population

                        Pollution

                        Animal control

                       

Endangered Species Protection

            Laws that have been set to ensure the safety of numbers of species.

            The Endangered Species Act was passed by Congress in 1973 with the idea of        that protecting the animals would protect economic and culture values.

What does the ESA do?

            ESA identifies species at risk, come up with actions to help recover the species, e     enforce laws of protecting species and habitats.

Endangered Species Act Terminology

            Endangered Species: animals that are in danger of extinction

            Threatened Species: animals that may very likely become endangered

            Vulnerable Species: animals that have been depleted by human activities

Recovery Plants Aim to Rebuild Populations

            When a species makes the list of becoming endangered the Fish and Wildlife            services put together a plan to help rebuild populations and to stabilize levels.

ESA Species Terminology

            Keystone species hold major effects on ecological functions and if they were to be   eliminated other species would be effected as well.

            Indicator Species: species depending on where they live

            Umbrella Species: species that require a large habitat.

            Flagship species: animals that attract humans because of their ability to draw            emotions.

Habitat Protection May Be Better than Species Protection

            Many scientist and other developers believe that we need to preserve ecosystems     that can support a lot of biological diversity.

            They believe that this way will be more effective than to have the species battle         for land.

Management Principles for Protecting Biodiversity in the Future

            FOUR PRINCIPLES IN PROTECTING BIODIVERSITY

Protect habitats for native species

Manage large regions to ensure natural disturbances do not become an issue.

Plan ahead so species do not become endangered

Make sure human developments do not hinder ecological developments.

Conclusion

            We as humans need to protect biodiversities because we rely on them for food and   many other products. Thanks to the ESA, laws have been put into place to help    protect these biodiversities. 

• Table of Contents

• Chapter 1: Understanding Our Environment
• Understanding Our Environment pg. 1
• We live on a MARVELOUS planet pg. 1
• Our Planet has Amazingly Rich Diversity of Life pg. 1
• What is Environmental Science/Biology pg. 1
• Environmental Problems: POPULATIONS pg. 1
• Signs of Hope: POPULATIONS pg. 1
• Environmental Problems: Food Supply pg. 1
• Signs of hope: Food Supply pg. 1
• Environmental Problems: Climate Change pg. 1
• Environmental Problems: Air Quality pg. 1
• Environmental Problems: Clean Water pg. 2

• Signs of Hope: Health pg. 2
• Signs of Hope: Pollution pg. 2
• Environmental Problems: Energy Resources pg. 2
• Signs of Hope: Renewable Energy pg. 2
• Environmental Problems: Biodiversity Loss pg. 2
• Signs of Hope: Conservation of Forests and Nature Preserves pg. 2
• Environmental Problems: Marine Resources pg. 2

o      Signs of Hope: Protection of Marine Resources pg. 2

o      Human Dimensions of Environmental Science pg. 2

o      Sustainability is a Central Theme pg. 3

o      Where do Rich and Poor Live?  Pg. 3

o      Indigenous Peoples are Guardians of Much of the World’s Biodiversity pg. 3

o      Science Helps Us Understand Our Environment pg. 3

o      Science Depends on Skepticism and Accuracy pg. 3

• Deductive and Inductive Reasoning are Both Useful pg. 3

o      Understanding Probability pg. 3

o      Experimental Design pg. 3

o      Science is a Cumulative Process pg. 3

o      What is Sound Science pg. 4

o      Is Environmental Science the same as Environmentalism pg. 4

o      Critical Thinking pg. 4

o      Where Do Our Ideas About the Environment Come From? Pg. 4

o      Roosevelt & Pinchot Begin Pragmatic Utilitarian Conservation pg. 4

o      Ethical and Aesthetic Concerns Inspired the Preservation Movement pg. 4

o      Wild Life Ecologist Aldo Leopold Pushes a “Land Ethic” pg. 4

o      Rising Pollution Levels Led to the Modern Environmental Movement pg. 4

o      Environmental Pioneers David Brower and Barry Commoner pg. 4

o      Global Environmentalism pg. 4

o      Conclusion pg. 5

o      Chapter 2: Environmental Systems

• Systems Describe interactions pg. 5   
• A Simple System Consists of Two Factors pg. 5
• State Variables and Flows Example pg 5
• Systems can be Described in Terms of Their Characteristicspg. 5
• Throughput- a scientific name that describes what’s flowing throughout the system pg.5
• Systems Exhibit Stability pg.5
• Systems Typically Exhibit Fluctuations pg. 6
• Emergent Properties and Systems pg. 6
• Elements of Life pg. 6
• Matter is Recycled pg. 6
• Elements have Predictable Characteristics pg. 6
• Charged Atoms are called Ions pg. 6
• Electrical Charge Keep Atoms Together pg. 6
• Common Molecules pg. 6
• Four Categories of Organic Molecules pg. 7
• Organic Molecules pg. 7
• Cells are the Fundamental Units of Life pg. 7
• Nitrogen and Phosphorus are Key Nutrients pg. 7
• Energy pg. 7
• Kinetic Energy pg. 8
• Potential Energy pg. 8
• Energy Basics pg. 8
• Energy for Life pg. 8
• The Electromagnetic Spectrum pg. 8
• Respiration and Photosynthesis pg. 9
• From Species to Ecosystems pg. 9
• Food Chains, Food Webs and Trophic Levels Link Species pg. 9
• Trophic Levels pg. 9
• Decomposers Recycle Molecules in Ecosystems pg. 9
• Biochemical Cycles and Life Processes pg. 9
• The Hydrogen Cycle pg. 9
• The Carbon Cycle pg. 9
• The Nitrogen Cycle pg. 10
• The Phosphorous Cycle pg. 10
• The Sulfur Cycle pg. 11
• Conclusion pg. 11

• Chapter 3: Evolution, Species Interactions and Biological Communities
• Natural Selection and Adaption Modify Species pg. 12
• Natural Selection Acts on Traits in the DNA pg. 12
• All Species Live Within Limits pg.12
• The Ecological Niche is a Species Role in the Environment pg. 12
• Niches: Generalists and Specialists pg. 12
• The Competitive Exclusion Principle pg.12
• Speciation pg. 13
• Three Patterns of Species Divergence pg. 13
• Taxonomy Describes Relationships Among Species pg. 13
• Species Interactions Shape Communities of Species pg. 13
• Competition Leads To Resource Allocation pg. 13
• Predation Affects Species Relationships pg. 13
• Some Adaptions Help Avoid Predation pg. 13
• Coevolution pg. 13
• Symbiosis: Intimate Relationships Among Species pg. 14
• Keystone Species pg. 14
• The Growth of Species Population pg. 14
• J-Curve of Exponential Growth pg. 14
• S-Shaped Logistic Growth Curve pg. 14
• Limits to Population Size pg. 14
• Species Patterns Create Community Structure pg. 14
• Individuals in Communities are distributed in Various Ways pg.15
• Communities are Distributed in Patterns Across a Landscape pg. 15
• Productivity Varies in Ecosystems pg. 15
• Communities are Dynamic and Change Over Time pg. 15
• Conclusion pg. 15

• Chapter 5 Biodomes and Biodiversity
• Terrestrail Biomes pg. 15
• Biomes Vary with Latitude pg. 15
• Verticle Zonation pg. 16
• Tropical Rainforests pg. 16
• Tropical Savannas and Grasslands are Dry Most of the Year pg. 16
• Deserts are Hot or Cold, but Always Dry pg. 16
• Temperate Grasslands have Rich Soils pg. 16
• Temperate Forests can be Evergreen or Deciduous pg. 16
• Temperate Rainforests pg. 16
• Boreal forests Lie North of the Temperate Zone pg. 16
• Tundra Can freeze in Any Month pg. 17
• Marine Ecosystems pg. 17
• Open Oceans Communities Vary from Surface to Hadal Zone pg. 17
• Deep-sea Thermal Vent Communities pg. 17
• Tidal Shores Support Rich, Diverse Communities pg. 17
• Tidal Shores: Mangroves pg. 17
• Tidal Shores: Esturies and Salt Marshes pg. 17
• Tidal Shores: Tide Pools pg. 17
• Freshwater Ecosystems pg. 17
• Wetlands are Shallow and Productive pg. 17
• Wetlands are Described by Their Vegetation pg. 18
• Biodiversity pg. 18
• Genetic Similarities pg. 18
• Biodiversity Hotspots are Rich and Threatened pg. 18
• Benefits of Biodiversity pg. 18
• Biodiversity Provides Food and Medicines pg. 18
• Biodiversity Can Support Ecosystem Stability pg. 18
• Aesthetic and Existence Values are Important pg. 19
• What threatens Biodiversity pg. 19
• Endangered Species Protection pg. 19
• What Does the ESA Do? Pg. 19
• Endangered Species Act Terminology pg. 19
• IUCN Lists Species Internationally pg. 19
• Recovery Plans Aim to Rebuild Populations pg. 19
• ESA Species Terminology pg. 10
• The ESA has Seen Successes and Controversies pg. 19
• Countries Species Protection Laws pg. 19
• Habitat Protection May be Better than Species Protection pg. 19
• Management Principles for Protecting Biodiversity in the Future pg. 20
• Conclusion pg. 20