New Lichen Discovered in Sri Lanka!

Picture: On the left there is a picture of Pyxine coccifera, type of lichen found in Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. The red parts of the lichen help protect it from the harsh UV rays in the tropics. To check out the where the picture came from click here: http://tinyurl.com/7grlu9k

Article Summary: On Monday February 27th, 2012 scientists in Sri Lanka discovered two brand new types of lichen named Anzia mahaeliyensis and Anzia flavotenuis. Dr Wijesundara explains the many uses for lichen around the world stating that “There are number of uses derived from lichens. It can be used as food for humans and animals. It can also be used as raw material for the perfume industry. Lichen can also be activated as a bio degration constituent,” But those things are pretty basic. Lichens are extracted to make the color changing parts of the ph tester paper for pools, and other dyes. This new type of lichen could possible bring on new discoveries in may feilds like medicine. To see the article click here: http://tinyurl.com/7urs42w

Reflection: I think that this is an awesome discovery because it can lead to many more discoveries in the future.Who knows it may be in other parts of the world and we don't even know it yet. Its interesting how many uses lichen can have to so many people and animals. 

Questions: 

1: What do you think the best possible use it for lichen when found or harvested? Why?

2: Do you believe that its bad for humans to be removing and using lichen for their personal use? Why?

3: What does the discovery of a new organism so close to today's date make you think about the number of organisms in the world?

4: Do you think lichens a big deal? Could we live on the earth without it? Why?

The Harmless Invasion of the Pacific Oyster

Article By: Julio Godoy. Published on April 10, 2011. Last viewed on February 27, 2012

Link to article

Pacific Oysters in the Wadden Sea

SUMMARY

Pacific Oysters were brought into Berlin by scientists in the 1970's to help strengthen the biodiversity of the Bay of Biscay. Over time, these exotic oysters spread all the way up to Ireland. In modern times, these oysters are living in the habitats of the native oysters and competing for food and resources. Surprisingly though, "the two species coexist well", according to biologist Christian Buschbaum. The introduction of the Pacific Oyster seems to have little affect on the population of most native species, and has actually increased the diversity of the "fauna and flora of the Atlantic Ocean and Baltic Sea". The species that it seems to affecting the most is the European Flat Oyster, who's population has dwindled down almost to extinction. The Pacific Oysters were introduced into their habitat by humans, but seemed to have more positive than negative effects on the ecosystem.

 

OPINION/REFLECTION

When I read the title: "The Harmless Invasion of the Pacific Oyster" I was completely shocked. Every other article I have read or heard about has been about the atrocious effects of an invasive species. Reading this article showed me how not all species that are exotic are bad for the ecosystem; in this scenario, the oyster benefitted the ecosystem. I was most surprised at the fact that the oyster was purposefully added to the ecosystem. I had thought most invasive species were brought into the ecosystem by accident. I would have agreed with the scientist's decisions to introduce the oyster if they had known what effect it would have had on the ecosystem. It seems as if they just added the oyster only thinking of the positives, and not considering many negatives. Because of this, I disagree with the scientist's decision to introduce the oysters. Luckily, almost everything turned out alright, though.

QUESTIONS

1.What is the worst effect introducing the oysters could have had on the environment?

2. Do you think more exotic species coexist well with the native species or not get along?

3. Do you think it's right for scientists to introduce new species into ecosystems? Why or why not?

4. How do you think our ecosystem would cope with bears being introduced?

Glaciers and Black Carbon

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120219143317.htm

Picture: This picture shows a segment of a glacier in Alaska that is being impacted by global warming and another factor, Black carbon (which is also found in soot) lies inside the ice. As you can see, black carbon has formed in the ice and dramatically speeds up the melting of the glaciers.

                                                                                   

Summary:  Around the world you are always hearing about how global warming affects the glaciers and many other things on our planet. Not only does increases in temperature affect the glaciers around the world, but so does black carbon. Have you ever looked up your chimney while having a fire? All that black smoke is disgusting isn’t it? Well that’s black carbon going back into the carbon cycle, and that black carbon is the same carbon that is stuck in the ice. We all know that dark colors absorb light while lighter colors reflect light, and since the black carbon is stuck in the ice, it naturally absorbs more sunlight causing the ice to melt even faster. The main source of black carbon is from burning excess amount of fossil fuels. Black carbon is not all that bad though, it is naturally part of the carbon cycle. As rain and snow deposit the carbon on the surface of the glacier, and new layers form, and over a period of years, the old layers eventually make their way down to the bottom. In spring when little parts of the ice start to melt, the carbon is then released into the ocean. Providing food and nutrients for living organisms. Glaciers are part of costal marine ecosystems that cover about ten percent of earth and destroying them will be disastrous. The Alaskan glaciers are not the only ones affected by this. Glaciers around the world are also impacted, even in the Himalayas. Glaciers also provide us humans with ice core samples. (A long cylinder chunk of ice that is taken out of a glacier)  With these samples we are able to tell how much carbon was in the air during the year that the new ice layer was formed. Recent samples have seen a dramatic increase in black carbon since the late 18^th century. Overall this is a very big problem and we as a human population are not doing enough to stop or even decrease the melting of glaciers.

Opinion/Reflection:  Until I read this article I never knew that the black stuff in the ice was black carbon. I always thought it was dirt. Even if it was dirt I would have never guessed that it helped speed up the melting of the glaciers. I was pretty shocked that the stuff we burn not only affects the atmosphere but also affects the glaciers too. Even the organisms in the cold cold waters around them!!This article made me realize that the carbon cycle is a wonderful thing yet an increase in carbon in the atmosphere can affect every little thing in the world one way or another.

Questions:

1.       Describe what “black carbon” is and where it comes from.

2.       Why do you think this hasn’t been paid enough attention to prevent and or stop the over producing of black carbon?

3.       What are some ways our community can decrease our production of black carbon?

4.       If the glaciers continue to melt at the speed they are now, what will happen to the ecosystem that relies on the glaciers?

5.       Why are Ice core samples important to us? And what changes to our human lifestyle can people around the world make based on the information provided by the samples?

Monkeys!!!!!!!!!

http://www.enn.com/ecosystems/article/44029
Picture:
This picture shows a great ape
 very that can only be found in
Africa.
Summary: In The Republic of
 Congo there is a national park
 called Nouabale-Ndoki
National Park. It is a rainforest
 that is high in bio-diversity.
That includes elphants, gorillas,
chimpanzees, and monkeys. The government is planning to expand the rainforest
 by 8%, and place a buffer zone around the park to stop poachers.
Opinion/Reflection:
I found it ironic the day after we study Bio-Diversity I find this article. I found it
interesting because I love the rainforest, and mokeys.

Questions:
What does high bio-diversity mean?
What is a buffer zone?
What is a couple animals that live in the park?