Biodiversity Portfolio

Table of Contents
Artifact Reflection ............................................................................................. 2 Article Analytical Response .......................................................................... 3 Careers Research 1 ............................................................................................ 4 Careers Research 2 ............................................................................................ 5 Canadian scientist Report .............................................................................. 6

Artifact
The artifact that chose was a picture a pertri dish with a piece of bread in it. The picture is from the fungi lab which was conducted in class. We gathered three pieces of bread and took them outside to rub upon grass in order for the bread to accumulate pollen. The breads were then taken back inside and placed into petri dishes where 5 drops of water was added to one piece of bread, 5 drops of vinegar was added to another, and 5 drops of base was added to the last piece. The petri dishes were then enclosed with petri dish lids and sealed with masking tape. Throughout a 9 day period, we observed the pieces of bread every 2 days using a stereomicroscope to look for mold growth. The purpose of the experiment was to study the growth of fungi on pieces of bread with absorptions of different nutrients. At the end of my experiment, my group and I came to the conclusion that the bread with the base was the quickest to develop mold and vinegar was the slowest since vinegar is an acid and it kills bacteria. Ive gained much knowledge from this experiment, such as following out proper procedures of keeping specific foods from spoiling and that mold tends to grow in moist and warm environments as oppose to dry environments. Mold can be very harmful to our bodies if consumed (eating, breathing, drinking) and can cause damage to our respiratory systems and sometimes trigger allergic reactions, which is why it is imperative to take appropriate safety precautions if in contact. There are over 10,000 different types of molds, some molds may not be as harmful as others but some have cancer causing chemicals and also poisonous ones. This lab has helped me acquire a better understanding on fungi and was very informative since I can apply my gained knowledge to be more aware of how to keep my food clean.

Article

Loss of Large Carnivores Poses Global Conservation Problem

Summary: There is a large decline in the populations of the worlds largest carnivores. More than 75% of the worlds largest 31 carnivores have gone endangered, and 17 species now only are half of what their population used to be. Southeast Asia, southern and East Africa and the Amazon are the areas in which these carnivores are declining. In some developed countries such as the United States, and Western Europe, large carnivores have already been eliminated. Studies show that many of these animals are at the edge of extinction and are disappearing as scientists are now discovering their ecological effects. Some threats to these carnivores include habitat loss, harassments by humans, and loss of prey. Human tolerance for these carnivores has been a key problem for conservation.

Article response: I think that the loss of large carnivores is a very important issue that needs to be addressed. Populations of large carnivores such as lions, leopards, bears are being decreased which can lead to a major problem in our terrestrial food chain. The extinction of a species can lead to our food chain being unbalanced and effecting other species. The decrease in species populations can have threats to other species since the prey can overpopulate. Many endangered species now are top predators, their population is decreasing because of conflicts with humans. We are killing predators globally because fear out lives is at risk when in contact with these species. We are competing with them for prey, and taking over their habitats to expand our agricultural operations. Even the smallest animals come into play in our food web and can have a great impact on our lives. Although we may not see these species daily, they are still interwoven in our environment. Even if a strand in our food web were to be at loss, it could be a factor of untying our worlds sustainability. This impacts me as a citizen since Im not doing anything to stop the endangerment of these species. The most I can do is spread the word and help raise awareness so that people have a better understanding on what is going on in our planet. Raising awareness can also help people understand the impact it will have globally which could possibly lead to them telling others as well.

Career 1
Wildlife Technician:

Responsibilities include: Gathering specimens to analyze and re-locating invasive species to keep habitats in order Habitat preservation; planting wildlife, sanitizing rivers and other vital food sources Collecting data through many observations and tests, conducting censes of inhabitants Preparing reports for internal or distributive use that include charts, graphs, and heaps of data Making recommendations regarding sustainable development of resources, and operating conditions for industrial activities to minimize wildlife damage. Working Environment: Majority of job opportunities exist in hospitals, government agencies, universities, wildlife parks Work is done mostly outdoors in various weather conditions, and depending on locations, staying overnight in locations may be necessary; lots of travelling Work is very physically demanding and requires lots of stamina, strength, and expertise Work schedules vary from 40 hours per week; overtime is often required Salaries: Depend on individuals level of responsibility, work load, education and experience Average about $35,000 - $45,000 yearly, though may exceed up to $50,000 Education Pathways and Requirements: Bachelors of science is required in wildlife biology, ecology, or conservation; four years for senior positions, many other positions require a collage diploma Experience in wilderness travel or hunting is helpful in admission and acceptance

Career 2
Marine biologist

Responsibilities include: Studying the worlds marine life, from bacteria to blue whales Studying the habitats of these marine organisms Discovering new food sources Estimating plant or species population Identify and classifying organisms Wiring scientific reports, journals, articles on observations Conduct experimental studies on organisms

Working environment Usually work regular office hours unless doing field work which might consist of long hours Majority of the time the setting will be outdoors Traveling might be required in order to observe different species around the world Sometimes required to go scuba diving Usually working in groups unless writing reports which are done individually

Salaries (Pays usually depend on experience and qualifications) Beginning pay - $41,400 ($19.9/hr) Permanent position with a PhD - $60,000 -$65,000 Several years of experience Could earn up to $100,000

Education Pathways & Requirements Courses you should take in high school- biology, environment science, chemistry, physics Min degree bachelors degree Carry out independent research if you have a PhD in marine biology

Canadian Scientist
Dr. Doug Larson

Award winning scientist, lecturer, author, musician and instrument maker Biography Born on February 10th, 1924 in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, United States Former columnist and editor for the Door County Advocate Education: B.Sc. - McMaster University Ph.D. - McMaster University Current Emeritus Professor at the University of Guelph Wrote a book called Touchstone Guitar Larson was given the prospect to work on the tundra near the Hudson Bay to direct the question: Why is it that plants can survive in extreme environments that are largely unsuitable for humans? After Larson had joined the Botany Department of the University of Guelph, he prolonged the scope of his investigations in order to comprise additional processes and habitats. He uses a more ecosystemtic approach, focusing strictly on cliffs and alvar environments which are environments established on a limestone plain with sparse or no soil and meager grassland vegetation, located in Northern America. His observations assisted him in the study of physiological, morphological and behavioral mechanisms used by plants to thrive in these antagonistic environments. Awards: Ralph Sherwood Conservation Award Rolex Awards Honourable Mention Canadian Wildflower Society Conservation Award Friends of the Escarpment Award Research: Cliff Ecology Research Group Team: Research associates, graduate students, and summer students Purpose: Understanding the ecology of a cliff. o By observing the cliff, they hope to attain more knowledge on how ecosystems work, excluding traditional approaches. Plant invasion and habitat heterogeneity on cliffs and additional rocky terrain

Purpose: study the limits of habitat invasions by invasive exotic species. o The information obtained from this project will help make environmental modifications to eliminate these species