Unit 4 -- Man in the Biosphere

Of all the organisms on earth, man is the organism capable of impacting or influencing the environment the most, both positively and negatively. In this unit we will primarily explore the various negative impacts man has on the environment but we will also briefly look at man's potential to reduce, remove, or reverse many of those impacts.

Assignment 1: As a class we will watch the movie "Happy Feet" Watch the movie carefully. Pay attention to any reference to or illustration of an ecological and environmental concept we have already studied including, adaptation, habitat, niche, food chains, populations, and relationships of populations within a community. Especially note any reference made to the influences of man. Afterwords, be prepared to discuss what you learned.

Assignment 2: Watch the video below on commercial fishing techniques to further understand how man can interfere with food chains. The video emphasizes the harmful effect of shrimp trawls.  You may want to jot down some facts and examples during the films to help prepare you for the class discussion that follows.

Assignment 3: Another example of Man's Influence on the environment is linked to the introduction of species into ecosystems where they do not belong. Watch the videos below entitled the "Non-Native Invasion" and "Pythons in the Everglades." Participate in class discussion as required.



Note: Part of this second video may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.



Assignment 3:  Invasive Species Project - Working groups of 3-5 prepare a presentation on one non-native animal or plant that has become an "invasive species" in the U.S.  Click here to see instructions.

Assignment 4: Pollution. An overview of how man's activities threaten life on earth by generating and releasing harmful substances into the environment we collectively call "pollution." Complete the following lessons:

View short slide presentation on the "Kinds of Pollution." (Click here to view power point)

Watch this video entitled "Bio-magnification." Be able to explain why bio-magnification of non-biodegradable, toxic materials is deleterious to organisms and ecosystems.



Assignment 5: Habitat Destruction. Complete the two lessons below. Take notes. Be prepared to discuss what you learn.

Click on this link to get a big picture of Habitat Destruction.
Next, watch the following video that highlights human causes of Habitat Destruction.



Field Project: Butterfly Garden. As a class we will investigate the need butterflies have for flower nectar, learn which nectar sources (flowering plants) are suitable for butterflies that live in our area of Georgia, and then choose several of those species and plant them on the school grounds to provide nectar for local butterflies. Start your investigation here. You will receive further instructions in class as we go.

Quiz: Man in the Biosphere. The quiz will be a combination of fill-in the blank and short essay questions on what we discussed in class concerning man's impacts on the environment. It will focus on the causes, effects, and sometimes solutions to the various problems created by man's activities. To review for this quiz, study your class notes. You may use your notes to complete the quiz.