biosurf unit 9 Organisms and the Environment

lesson 36.1

lesson 36.2

lesson 36.3

lesson 36.4

CHAPTER 36: Populations and Communities

36.1 POPULATION GROWTH

The North American Breeding Bird Survey: Results and Analysis 1966–2000: What bird species live in your area? Are they increasing in number? Is your favorite bird population declining in some parts of the continent? An amazing amount of data are available for your use at this site, which catalogs and displays over 30 years' worth of avian monitoring data from the USGS-Biological Resources Division.

36.2 LIMITS ON POPULATION GROWTH

Power Outages Caused by Brown Tree Snakes: Brown tree snakes have overwhelmed the island of Guam, decimating local wildlife and causing hundreds of power outages a year. In this graph, the USGS-Biological Resources Division graphs the number of power outages, presumably proportional to the snake population, with the amount of rain per year.
World POPClock: What is the estimated population of the world at this moment? The International Programs Center of the U.S. Bureau of the Census will calculate it for you the moment you click on this link. It will also tell you how much the population is expected to increase in the next twelve months. For more detailed demographic data and projected estimates for the year 2050, visit World Population Information.

36.3 COMMUNITIES

Biological Diversity: Why is biodiversity so important? The National Park Service explains what biodiversity is, why it is declining, and the reasons it needs to be protected. Then it links to some of the major non-profit and government organizations trying to protect biodiversity in the United States.
Sanctuary: U.S. Wildlife Refuges: Explore the issues surrounding conservation and endangered species at this excellent National Geographic site. The information, photos, and movie clips cover issues and animals from almost every region of the country.
Biological Control: A Guide to Natural Enemies in North America: Agriculturalists use their knowledge of community interactions to control pesty organisms, pitting one predator or parasite against undesirable insects and plants. Learn more about biological control from this online handbook at Cornell University.

36.4 ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION

Clearcutting, Nature's Way

What have tornadoes taught ecologists about ecological succession in forests? Read this Why Files article on tornadoes to see how forests recover from disturbances, and why ecologists think it is important to set aside large tracts of forest, rather than small, isolated preserves.

Island Creatures

The variety of environmental conditions in Hawaii, as well as its tremendous isolation, make it an exceptional place for adaptive radiation for the few species that make it there. This interview with Ken Kaneshiro, a biologist studying flies in Hawaii, was part of the NOVA special "Hawaii: Born of Fire."

Deep Sea Rebirth

Ecological succession can occur underwater as well as on land. This press release describes the ecological changes that researchers have observed at whale carcasses in the deep sea.

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Unit 9 Index

Learning Links
Chapter 35 || Chapter 36 || Chapter 37 || Chapter 38

In the News || Link and Think
Spotlight on Careers || Teachers' Lounge

In the Community
Chapter 35 || Chapter 36 || Chapter 37 || Chapter 38

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