Hudson River Fish Evolve

Summary: The Atlantic Tomcod, found on the bottom of the Hudson River, were found to have a genetic mutation. This mutation allows the fish to live in the Hudson and not be effected by PCB's (polychlorinated byphenils). If these fish did not have this rare mutation their species would probably been extinct by now. Their adaptation to the chemicals in the water was fast compared to most evolutions.

Reaction: I thought it was really cool how these tiny bottom feeders learned to adapt so fast. The chemical was only introduced to the Hudson in 1947. I personally thought adaptations took longer to occur in most species.

1. Do you think it is wrong for company's to be dumping chemicals into rivers like the Hudson? Why?

2. Why do you think these fish developed the gene mutation so quickly?

3. What are the consequences of having these chemicals dumped into our rivers?

Color Changing polar bear

Summary: There is a new invention that can show you when you are using too much electricity in your home.It is a stuffed animal polar bear that communicates with a home's electricity meter. It glows various colors to help people save energy. The pinker the glow gets, the more energy you are wasting.

Reflection: I think this stuffed animal is a great way to help people conserve energy. Energy being wasted is such a big dilemma in our world that is hard to fix. Many people don't realize how much energy they are wasting, and this polar bear stuffed animal is very helpful.

Questions:

1. What are some other ways that we can save energy?

2. Do you think people should try harder to use less energy?

3. Why is it important to save energy?

Galapagos Island rat infestation

The Galapagos Islands have been infested with an invasive species of rat. The rat has infested other spots and they have used poisoned blue bait to get rid of the rat. The bait only attracts the rat and does not attract the other inhabitants of the Galapagos. After the rats are gone, scientists will work on the less invasive species that inhabit the island. The bait is only putting the Galapagos hawk at risk because the hawk can eat the rats that have eaten the poison bait. Scientist captured 20 hawks just in case. The rats pose a threat to the tortoises, iguanas, and 50 different land and sea birds. These rats originally came to the island and wiped out the black rat.

When I read this article I was shocked that rats could pose such a threat. I always figured rats were not that important in the environment. I think the scientists are really inventive to make the poison bait. It could get rid of all the rats and not affect the animals a lot so the ecosystem could repair itself more.

1) Why do you think the rats pose a threat to so many species?
2) Why is is it important to ensure the Hawk survives?
3) Do you think there is a better way to get rid of the rats?

Second Blog! Rachel Rausa

Ants Have Big Impact on Environment as 'Ecosystem Engineers'

By: ScienceDaily 2/4/11

Have you ever thought about how important ants are? Recent research has been done at the University of Exeter and it has been discovered that ants have a tremendous impact on their local environment, especially the food chain. When the ants move through the soil underground, it adds lots of nutrients to it. This effects all levels of the food chain. Also, ants prey on a wide range of other animals, even prey that are larger than the ants. Dirk Sanders, an author of the study from the university's Centre for Ecology and Conservation, said that this was because ant workers can attack in large groups. Plus, they are extremely aggressive.

Before reading this article, I just thought that ants were just useless, annoying bugs that crawl on you when you sit in the grass. I now know how important ants are to our local environment. Without ants, many other species would be effected because the ants have such a powerful impact on the food chain.

By adding nutrients to the soil, how does this positively impact the other animals?

How do you think the food chain would be effected without ants?

What other ways to you think ants effect the environment?

 Sorry forgot my picture on the first post!

first blog. Upton and carbon emissions

Fred Upton Met with Energy Lobbyists in Secret Before His About-Face on Carbon Regulation

Summary:

Fred Upton changed his stance about climate change and said that regulating carbon emissions would be "unconstitutional". A meeting was held in secret with an invitation-only guest list that is tightly guarded. Local constituents are suprised at Upton. WKZO noted it is about more than just carbon emissions. They thought because of the Enbrige oil spill near Upton's district he would back them up on tighter construction restrictions. Instead he is backing the construction of new pipeline from Canada to Texas. He is now planning a bill to block EPA's ability to regulate carbon emissions.

Personal Reflection:

I was shocked that Upton  would do something like this. He should be working for the people, but instead he is working for his own needs. Upton should back what the people want and stop worrying about the carbon emissions. That is his own opinion and not the peoples

Questions:

1. Why do you think Upton is changing is stance?

2. Do you think Carbon emissions should be regulated? Why?

3. Do you think we should stop the construction of pipelines? why?

4. What do you think of all the oil spills happening reasently?