UNIT 1.1
An ecological footprint indicates how many earth’s we would need if everyone on the planet lived the way that one individual lives (or the way that individuals in one country live). In the last section of Chapter 1 in both editions, there is a section titled Sustainability and Our World. After reading this section, please go to .footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/calculators/%20″>http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/calculators/and calculate your personal ecological footprint. For this discussion forum, please tell the class what your ecological footprint is, indicate if it was what you expected, and answer the following question: If we in the richer nations have the technology and political power to exploit a larger share of resources, do we have the right to do so, or do we have an ethical responsibility to restrain our consumption? Remember to use proper grammar and punctuation.
UNIT 1.2
The end of Chapter 2 in the 4th edition (Chapter 3 in the 3rd edition) describes the importance of each of the Carbon, Phosphorus, Nitrogen and Hydrologic nutrient cycles to the ecosystem in which it occurs and to humans. Choose one of the cycles and fully explain one way in which human activity altered these ecosystems. What is the activity? What effect does the activity have on the nutrient cycle you chose? What environmental problems have arrisen (or could arise) because of the activity’s affect on the nutrient cycle? Read through the answers that have already been given before participating in this discussion board, and try to come up with a unique response. Then be sure to discuss each others answers and comments. This may seem like a mundane discussion board, but it can yield some interesting conversation
UNIT 2.2
After reading chapter 4, hit the internet or library and research some of the keystone species from the ecosystems located your hometown or homestate. When using the internet, try to use trustworthy sites (government sites, academic sites, environmental organization sites, etc.), rather than “Bob’s Keystone Species Website”, to gather your facts. Using the discussion board, tell the class about the ecosystem you chose and the keystone species you researched- specifically what role this species plays in the ecosystem to be considered a keystone species. Do the role these various species you all researched have anything in common? If you are unable to find any information on the ecosystems near your actual town choose another nearby.
UNIT 2.3
What is the population density of your town that you live in? Do you feel that the density is appropriate for your town? What may affect the carrying capacity of your town? (Both pro’s and con’s)