Grizzly Bears saved by ESA

SAVING THE GRIZZLY BEAR by Michael Robinson
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/mammals/grizzly_bear/index.html

Photo: This picture shows the grizzly bear in its natural habitat, eating fresh salmon. Without the Endangered Species Act, these animals could have been extinct many years ago.

Summary: The grizzly bear, a staple of the American west, is one of the many animals that benefited from the Endangered Species Act. Although they used to cover a massive amount of western country, they now only cover less than 2% of their original habitat. Westward expansion by humans caused the species to become classified as "threatened", meaning they were nearly endangered. Humans took it upon ourselves to help protect grizzly populations, banning the hunting of them and attempting to shelter their natural places of habitation. Through the passing of the Endangered Species Act, these great animals multiplied their populations and, in 2007, were officially taken off the Threatened Species list. This only goes to show how beneficial the ESA can really be, and is a great success in its history.
Opinion/ Reflection
I think this story is really inspiring. The fact that the grizzly is rebuilding its population after nearly facing endangerment and extinction is remarkable, and I think should be encouraged in every other threatened species that we can help. Just knowing that we were able to save an entire species of well-known animals makes me feel like something great has been accomplished, and I can't wait to see what other species can possibly benefit from this act.
Questions:
1) Can you think of any other species who benefited similarly to the grizzlies?
2) Why do you think grizzlies were so successful, when others may not have been?
3) Are there any other precautions/aids you can think of to help endangered species in the future?

EXTREME LIFE

http://tinyurl.com/6w3atwz

Picture: This is a picture of a jelly fish in the Ross Sea, Antartica. This jelly fish can survive in extreme temperatures and if it goes into warm water it will heat up and die.

Summary: Some scientists around the world are risking their lives to visit the most extreme environments on earth. The places they will be going to are not suitable for any human life, but there are certain animals that can lives under these extreme conditions. In the Ross Sea, Antarctica, is below -2°C which would kill a human instantly without any protection. Immediately the diver, Kim, finds a fish you would never see in the Atlantic Ocean. This fish needs to live in freezing water or it will over heat. This adaptation keeps the blood flowing throughout the fish. Because there are not many predators in these extreme waters, the fish move very slowly. They also grow at a very slow rate. In Cueva de Villa Luz, Mexico the cave water is very dark just like the Ross Sea. The air in the Cueva de Villa Luz is full of toxic gasses. These toxins could kill a human within minutes, but some organisms need them to survive. Many bats and spiders live within the cave. Both of these places have very extreme environments that would never be suitable to a human. The organisms that can live in these conditions have become adapted to them over time. Without these extreme conditions, they would not be able to live.

Reflection: I thought this was an interesting article. I think learning about places that you will probably never get to see in your life is worth learning about. It amazes me how some animals can live in -2°C weather. Adaptation is a big part of our lives because it is the conditions that we can live in and the conditions that keep us alive. Learning about the other animals adaptations are interesting because they are so different from ours.

Questions:

Do you think that our adaptations change over time?

Why do you think the water is so dark as you get deeper underwater?

How do you think pollution ties in with adaptation?

Do you think it is important to learn about different species and their adaptations?

RESEARCH TIES HUMAN ACTS TO HARMFUL RATES OF SPECIES EVOLUTION

http://tinyurl.com/8a8r3kg

Humans may or may not know it, but doing things such as hunting and fishing are working against species health. For example, after decades of heavy fishing, the cod being caught were reproducing at younger ages and beginning to be much smaller. A study shows that rates of evolution are three times higher in species subject to harvest selection than in any other species. The organisms are reaching reproductive age about 25% sooner than they had 30 years ago. Researchers say that reproducing at a younger age and smaller size let these organisms leave their offspring before they were caught or killed. Dr. Darimont says, "Targeting large, reproducing adults and taking so many of them in a population in a given year--that creates this ideal recipe for rapid trait change.” 

Opinion/ Reflection

Who knew natural selection was occurring to the atlantic cod only because we catch them! I always thought catching them was not THAT harmful, they live and then die. But it shocked me to hear that since all the big fish are being caught, the little fish are left in the pond. And since the little fish are left in the pond, they are forced to reproduce and keep their species going. It is actually very sad.

Questions:

1. Who should be focusing their time on saving these cod?
2. What can we as a community do to save these species from getting younger and smaller?
3. Do you think this species will become extinct in a matter or time?
4. How does the extinction of this animal affect humans?

Endangered Species

Ways You Can Help Endangered Species By: Lauren Kurpis
http://www.endangeredspecie.com/Ways_To_Help.htm

Picture:
This picture shows many different animals that are endangered. If we want these animals to live we need to help them.

Summary:

The article talks about the many different things you can do to save endangered species. This article focuses on seven ways to get involved. One way to help is to conserve habitats which means to protect the homes in which the animals live. The second way to help is to make space, this includes building a bird house and not using chemicals in your garden. You can also help the species by recycling and planting native plants. You can help animals just by not polluting the air and saving water. There are also many organizations you can join whose goals are to help endangered species. A really easy thing you can do is speak up! Get others involved to help the endangered species. The article also goes into ways little kids can help endangered species like writing letters to the government or learning about a specific species and then making a puppet show to tell others. 

Opinion/Reflection: I chose this article because I was really curious to learn how to help endangered species. I never would have guessed that recycling would help animals, but it makes sense that helping the environment would help animals because then they will have a safe place to live. I have heard before that certain animals could be extinct by the time we grow up and have children. I can't imagine what it would be like if when I was older, I took my kids to the zoo and they couldn't see a polar bear or a panda bear because they were extinct. I definitely think we need to do our best to save the endangered species. 

Questions:

Why is saving endangered species helpful to us?

What would be the effect on our society if endangered species if endangered species do become extinct?

How can we get to a point in time where there are no endangered species?