Alaska Forest

Above, is a picture of a forest growing in Alaska. I don't know why it is so big.


I found it amazing that there is a forest growing in Alaska. Usually when I think of Alaska I think of snow. But now, due to climate changes, it is becoming a forest. According to scientist research, the currently growing forests are going to become Alaska's new Biome-type! I find it incredibly hard to imagine Alaska without snow, and I've never even been there. It is incredible to think that a Biome could change! I had no idea it was possible. This change will greatly affect some of the organisms leaving in the Alaska area. This will especially have a big impact on humans. Something that I also found interesting is that these types of forests are drought-stressed, which means that they dont get enough water. I find this really interesting because of all the snow in Alaska

Questions:
1. Why do you think this is happening?
2. Is this good or bad for Alaska?
3. (If you answered bad to #2) How can this be prevented?
4. (If you answered good to #2) Why did you answer good?

Dolphins?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Picture- This is a picture of the new species of dolphin found in Australia

Summary:Recently in Australia, they have discovered a rare new type of dolphin. It is called Tursiops australis. There are only 150 of them believed to be in existence. There are only a couple of places along the coast of Australia in which they inhabit. People had thought they were bottlenose dolphins before, but they were actually an entire different species. They were living right under the Australian people's noses the whole time. They have only found 3 new dolphin species since 1800! It definitely helps scientists get a more accurate biodiversity for the coast of Australia.

Reflection: I think it is very cool that they have found a new species. It is very rare to find a new species of dolphin. I think it would be awesome to be able to name your own species. If I found a species of dolphins, I would name it Jarretticus dolphinius

Questions:

1.How would you feel if you discovered a brand new species?

2. What do you think about how millions of unknown species could be living right by us and we have no idea of it?

3. If you discovered a new species, what would you name it?

Biodiversity

Current Events: #4 Biodiversity

http://soc202events.blogspot.com/2011/02/4-biodiversity.html

This graphic shows the relationship among the amount of organsims in a species, that make up an ecosystem. This picture really gets the message across that every single species plays an important role in an ecosystem. http://anaphi.wordpress.com/2010/08/03/biodiversity/

No matter size or gender, each and every organism plays a huge role that makes up our ecosystem. Because of the severe climate changes that are happening world wide, the biodiversity of species are rapidly decreasing. Biodiversity is extremely affected by this climate change for several reasons. Since that the climate change is too harsh for animals to live in, species are beginning to die off. Once one species dies, it affects another, and then that species affects another, and so on. For example, if plants can't live, then animals have limited amounts of food and will die sooner, which leaves humans nothing to hunt. This climate change is happening world wide, from all the way in the Artic where the ice is melting and polar bears & penguins are becoming extinct. It is also affecting the Coral Reefs which are dying. Due to the Coral Reefs dying, large amounts of fish are decreasing. "We are shown pictures and facts about global warming everyday and some are making an effort to stop it but not all." People don't realize how important this problem with the climate change really is. It is effecting the whole biodiversity of species. Even small things like recycling and using more energy-safe products can help save our ecosystem.

I was surprised how much something as little as a climate change could have such a huge impact on an ecosystem. I never really cared nor wondered about the extinction of species in our ecosystem. Now I know how important it is to do anything we can to prevent the extinction of other species in our ecosystem.

Questions:

1. Why do you think only some people are making an effort to stop global warming?


2. What species do you think would have the highest impact on our ecosystem if it were to become extinct?


3. What are some other ways ( that are not listed above) you can help stop global warming ?

Lt. Col. Daniel Schmitt adresses guests at a dinner held by local leader, Mohammad Razul, to commemerate the deaths of his brother and father. Razul was one to stand up against insurgency in Helmand, Afghanistan.

Before coalition and Afghan forces began security operations in Helmand, few citizens stood up to the oppressive insurgent force. The community supported the insurgency, until Mohammad Razul an dhis family decided they wanted to live differently. The insurgents attempted to murder Razul's family at a mosque, but upon returning from retrieving weapons to fight back, his father and brother were killed. Now, one year later from the day,security has increased in the city. The 2nd Marine Division frequently led patrols through the city. Gradually the ANA (Afghan National Army) began leading from the front. The ANA is now leading patrols with little menotring from the Marines. "Since the Afghan Army and Americans came, a lot has changed. We can Patrol through the city and there are no IEDs and no ambushes. No insurgents. The security is much better than it was a year ago," said Sgt. Ahmad Marjani, an Afghan police officer and resident. Hopefully, the Afghan forces will be able to provide security without US assistance.

With the help of The United States Marine Corps, Afghan Forces, and local residents, Mohammad Razul managed to displace insurgency in the community.

Questions:

What do you think is the most effective way for Afghanis to rid a city of insurgents?

Why do you think most Afghani residents decide to do nothing about insurgency?

If every insurgent-occupied community handled their situation like this, how much longer would this war be going on?

-john :D

CORAL REEFS! :)

This is a picture of a bleached Coral Reef near Thailand.

SUMMARY

The destruction of Coral Reefs may not seem like a huge deal compared to other pollution, but it is incredibly important. There was a study called Reefs At Risk that talked about the destruction of the world's coral reefs. That study was done in 1998 and it was discovered that 61% of Coral Reefs were in danger. The study was redone ten years later and at this point 75% of Coral Reefs were in danger. Coral Reefs play a major part in some countries survival. In small islands that are surrounded by Coral Reefs they are needed to protect from waves and storms, and they play a major part in the tourism industry, as well as a source of food and even medicine. Without Coral Reefs these islands would greatly struggle. Coral Reefs are very important and we need to protect them!

OPINION/REFLECTION
I am really surprised about some things I have learned from the blog. I had no idea that 75% of Coral Reefs are in danger of destruction. I didn't realize that Coral Reefs were so important to the world, and that they needed to be protected.

QUESTIONS
What are some wasy that YOU can help save Coral Reefs?
Why do you think Coral Reefs dont recieve very much media attention?
How could this problem have been prevented?

That was my blog! :D