Pre-Diploma Biology 2014/2015/2016 Diagnostic Evaluations

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Obj. C (Research and Communication)

ECUADOR - A BIOLOGICAL ISSUE

In general terms, the critical environmental issues in Ecuador are rooted in the side effects of
industrial and agricultural production processes, as well as the misuse of resources. These
issues include the highest rate of deforestation amongst Amazonian countries; severe pollution
due to oil production waste; conflicts about the use of land think Yasuni and Galpagos; and
soil, water and lake contamination. Ecuador is unique because of the diverse ecological zones
condensed within its small geographical space, but the biodiversity of these regions is at risk.
http://rainforests.mongabay.com/20ecuador.htm

Ecuador, including the Galpagos Islands, is having to confront many issues and dilemmas which
have a biological basis. Some of these include:
Deforestation - mostly in the jungle (for logging and oil exploration, and their knock-on
effects) and the North-west of Ecuador (logging). Ecuador has the highest rate of
deforestation of any country in South America.
Land use conflicts, such as the recently highlighted Yasuni crisis
Over-exploitation of natural resources such as fish
Disease mortality and epidemiology, eg. Dengue fever
Invasive species, most prominently in Galpagos
Global warming - human caused climate changes, which include alterations in the
frequency of abnormal Pacific currents
Extinctions and loss of biodiversity - 52% of Ecuador's mammal species, including
endemics, are listed by IUCN as endangered, some virtually now extinct.
Water pollution - mostly from the poor use of agro-chemicals and waste from the oil
industry
Land/soil erosion, much of it in the Sierra due to deforestation and poor farming practices,
and in the coastal lowlands. More than 50% of Ecuador's land is now considered to be arid
and in need of reforestation programmes.
Destruction of mangrove forests
The use of pesticides in agricultural production, which can leave residues in water, land and
food.
Garbage management - maybe 40% of urban garbage in Ecuador is not routinely collected

Many of these are environmental issues, but by no means all.


The assignment for Objective C is to research into one biologically-based issue, or specific example
of an issue, in Ecuador, and make a presentation in whatever form you think best. The presentation
needs to address at least some of the following:
The issue a description; the facts; the origins; data
Causes
Impact or results of what is going on
Control and management
Any special considerations or discussion or debate

Your work must utilise a minimum of THREE different resources, which of course, must be
properly credited ie a bibliography.

The assessment will be according to the rubric on the next page.


Pre-Diploma Biology 2014/2015/2016 Diagnostic Evaluations
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