Full-Length Chapters Available In Launchpad!
BRIEF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL, SCIENCE, AND INFORMATION LITERACY
CHAPTER 1 ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY AND THE GOAL OF SUSTAINABILITY 2 ON THE ROAD TO COLLAPSE
CHAPTER 2 SCIENCE LITERACY AND THE PROCESS OF SCIENCE 22 SCIENCE AND THE SKY
CHAPTER 3 INFORMATION LITERACY AND TOXICOLOGY 42 TOXIC BOTTLES?
HUMAN POPULATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
CHAPTER 4 HUMAN POPULATIONS 62 ONE-CHILD CHINA GROWS UP
CHAPTER 5 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 80 ERADICATING A PARASITIC NIGHTMARE
CONSUMPTION AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT
CHAPTER 6 ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS AND CONSUMPTION 98 WALL TO WALL, CRADLE TO CRADLE
CHAPTER 7 MANAGING SOLID WASTE 118 A PLASTIC SURF
ECOLOGY
CHAPTER 8 ECOSYSTEMS AND NUTRIENT CYCLING 138 ENGINEERING EARTH
CHAPTER 9 POPULATION ECOLOGY 158 THE WOLF WATCHERS
CHAPTER 10 COMMUNITY ECOLOGY 176 WHAT THE STORK SAYS
EVOLUTION AND BIODIVERSITY
CHAPTER 11 EVOLUTION AND EXTINCTION 198 A TROPICAL MURDER MYSTERY
CHAPTER 12 BIODIVERSITY 218 PALM PLANET
CHAPTER 13 PRESERVING BIODIVERSITY 238 A FOREST WITHOUT ELEPHANTS
WATER RESOURCES
CHAPTER 14 FRESHWATER RESOURCES 258 TOILET TO TAP
CHAPTER 15 WATER POLLUTION 278 INTO THE GULF
00_KAR_16220_IFC.indd 200_KAR_16220_IFC.indd 2 04/02/15 1:57 PM04/02/15 1:57 PM
Full-Length Chapters Available In Launchpad! FOOD RESOURCES
CHAPTER 16 FEEDING THE WORLD 298 A GENE REVOLUTION
CHAPTER 17 SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: RAISING CROPS 316 FARMING LIKE AN ECOSYSTEM
CONVENTIONAL ENERGY: FOSSIL FUELS
CHAPTER 18 COAL 338 BRINGING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN
CHAPTER 19 OIL AND NATURAL GAS 360 THE BAKKEN OIL BOOM
AIR POLLUTION: CONSEQUENCES OF USING FOSSIL FUELS
CHAPTER 20 AIR POLLUTION 380 THE YOUNGEST SCIENTISTS
CHAPTER 21 CLIMATE CHANGE 402 WHEN THE TREES LEAVE
ALTERNATIVES TO FOSSIL FUELS
CHAPTER 22 NUCLEAR POWER 428 THE FUTURE OF FUKUSHIMA
CHAPTER 23 SUN, WIND, WATER, AND EARTH ENERGY 450 FUELED BY THE SUN
SUSTAINABLE LIVING IN COMMUNITY
CHAPTER 24 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 470 COUNTERFEIT COOLING
CHAPTER 25 URBANIZATION AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES 490 THE GHETTO GOES GREEN
ADDITIONAL CHAPTERS AVAILABLE ONLINE IN LAUNCHPAD!
CHAPTER 26 MINERAL RESOURCES: NO STONE UNTURNED CHAPTER 27 SOIL RESOURCES AND GRASSLANDS: RESTORING THE RANGE CHAPTER 28 FORESTS: RETURNING TREES TO HAITI CHAPTER 29 MARINE ECOSYSTEMS: ACID OCEANS CHAPTER 30 AGRICULTURE: RAISING LIVESTOCK: A CARNIVORE’S CONUNDRUM CHAPTER 31 FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE: FISH IN A WAREHOUSE? CHAPTER 32 BIOFUELS: GAS FROM GRASS
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© Tyler Hicks/The New York Times/
Redux
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ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE FOR A CHANGING WORLD
SECOND EDITION
SUSAN KARR Carson-Newman University
JENEEN INTERLANDI Science Writer
ANNE HOUTMAN California State University, Bakersfield
01_KAR_16220_fm_i_001.indd III 04/02/15 1:58 PM
IV
SUUSTS AIA NAN BILILITYT PLELEDGEE MMacmillan is s cocommm itteted too llesesseseniingg oour compmpany’s s imimpapactct on ththee enenviviroron n ment. TThe MaMacmc ilillan n fafamim ly oof f publblisishihingng hhouses s s inintetends too rededuce e ouo r 20020 CO2 emissions by 664% agaaininst aa 220009 baseline.
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JAMES P. BLAIR/National Geographic
Creative
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www.whfreeman.com
V
BRIEF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL, SCIENCE, AND INFORMATION LITERACY
CHAPTER 1 ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY AND THE GOAL OF SUSTAINABILITY 2 ON THE ROAD TO COLLAPSE
CHAPTER 2 SCIENCE LITERACY AND THE PROCESS OF SCIENCE 22 SCIENCE AND THE SKY
CHAPTER 3 INFORMATION LITERACY AND TOXICOLOGY 42 TOXIC BOTTLES?
HUMAN POPULATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
CHAPTER 4 HUMAN POPULATIONS 62 ONE-CHILD CHINA GROWS UP
CHAPTER 5 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 80 ERADICATING A PARASITIC NIGHTMARE
CONSUMPTION AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT
CHAPTER 6 ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS AND CONSUMPTION 98 WALL TO WALL, CRADLE TO CRADLE
CHAPTER 7 MANAGING SOLID WASTE 118 A PLASTIC SURF
ECOLOGY
CHAPTER 8 ECOSYSTEMS AND NUTRIENT CYCLING 138 ENGINEERING EARTH
CHAPTER 9 POPULATION ECOLOGY 158 THE WOLF WATCHERS
CHAPTER 10 COMMUNITY ECOLOGY 176 WHAT THE STORK SAYS
EVOLUTION AND BIODIVERSITY
CHAPTER 11 EVOLUTION AND EXTINCTION 198 A TROPICAL MURDER MYSTERY
CHAPTER 12 BIODIVERSITY 218 PALM PLANET
CHAPTER 13 PRESERVING BIODIVERSITY 238 A FOREST WITHOUT ELEPHANTS
WATER RESOURCES
CHAPTER 14 FRESHWATER RESOURCES 258 TOILET TO TAP
CHAPTER 15 WATER POLLUTION 278 INTO THE GULF
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VI
FOOD RESOURCES
CHAPTER 16 FEEDING THE WORLD 298 A GENE REVOLUTION
CHAPTER 17 SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: RAISING CROPS 316 FARMING LIKE AN ECOSYSTEM
CONVENTIONAL ENERGY: FOSSIL FUELS
CHAPTER 18 COAL 338 BRINGING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN
CHAPTER 19 OIL AND NATURAL GAS 360 THE BAKKEN OIL BOOM
AIR POLLUTION: CONSEQUENCES OF USING FOSSIL FUELS
CHAPTER 20 AIR POLLUTION 381 THE YOUNGEST SCIENTISTS
CHAPTER 21 CLIMATE CHANGE 402 WHEN THE TREES LEAVE
ALTERNATIVES TO FOSSIL FUELS
CHAPTER 22 NUCLEAR POWER 428 THE FUTURE OF FUKUSHIMA
CHAPTER 23 SUN, WIND, WATER, AND EARTH ENERGY 450 FUELED BY THE SUN
SUSTAINABLE LIVING IN COMMUNITY
CHAPTER 24 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 470 COUNTERFEIT COOLING
CHAPTER 25 URBANIZATION AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES 490 THE GHETTO GOES GREEN
ADDITIONAL CHAPTERS AVAILABLE ONLINE IN
CHAPTER 26 MINERAL RESOURCES: NO STONE UNTURNED CHAPTER 27 SOIL RESOURCES AND GRASSLANDS: RESTORING THE RANGE CHAPTER 28 FORESTS: RETURNING TREES TO HAITI CHAPTER 29 MARINE ECOSYSTEMS: ACID OCEANS CHAPTER 30 AGRICULTURE: RAISING LIVESTOCK: A CARNIVORE’S CONUNDRUM CHAPTER 31 FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE: FISH IN A WAREHOUSE? CHAPTER 32 BIOFUELS: GAS FROM GRASS
APPENDIX 1 BASIC MATH SKILLS A-2 APPENDIX 2 DATA-HANDLING AND GRAPHING SKILLS A-4 APPENDIX 3 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS A-10 APPENDIX 4 GEOLOGY A-12 APPENDIX 5 SELECTED ANSWERS TO END-OF-CHAPTER PROBLEMS A-14 GLOSSARY G-2 CREDITS/SOURCES C-2 INDEX I-1
B R I E F C O N T E N T S
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DETAILED CONTENTS INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL, SCIENCE, AND INFORMATION LITERACY
CHAPTER 1 ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY AND THE GOAL OF SUSTAINABILITY 2 ON THE ROAD TO COLLAPSE What lessons can we learn from a vanished Viking society?
Environmental science is all encompassing. 4
INFOGRAPHIC 1.1 Environmental Science Is Highly Interdisciplinary 5 1.2 Different Approaches to Science Have Different Goals and Outcomes 6 1.3 Wicked Problems 7
The Greenland Vikings’ demise was caused by natural events and human choices. 6
Responding to environmental problems and working with neighbors help a society cope with changes. 8
Humans are an environmental force that impacts Earth’s ecosystems. 9
INFOGRAPHIC 1.4 Many Environmental Problems Can be Traced to Three Underlying Causes 10
Ecosystems are naturally sustainable and a good model for human societies hoping to become more sustainable. 11
INFOGRAPHIC 1.5 Four Characteristics of a Sustainable Ecosystem 11 1.6 Sustainable Ecosystems Can be a Useful Model for Human Societies 12
Humanity faces some challenges in dealing with environmental issues. 13
INFOGRAPHIC 1.7 Social Traps 14 1.8 Wealth Inequality 15 1.9 Worldviews and Environmental Ethics 16 1.10 U.S. Environmental History 18
CHAPTER 2 SCIENCE LITERACY AND THE PROCESS OF SCIENCE 22 SCIENCE AND THE SKY Solving the mystery of disappearing ozone
Science gives us tools to observe and make sense of the natural world. 24
INFOGRAPHIC 2.1 The Atmosphere and UV Radiation 27
Scientifi c views rarely change overnight. 27
The scientifi c method systematically rules out explanations. 28
INFOGRAPHIC 2.2 Ozone Depletion and CFC Levels 28 2.3 Scientifi c Process 30 2.4 Certainty in Science 31
Diff erent types of studies amass a body of evidence. 30
INFOGRAPHIC 2.5 The Chemistry of Ozone Formation and Breakdown 32 2.6 How Do Scientists Collect Evidence to Answer Questions? 34
Multiple ozone depletion hypotheses were tested but only the CFC hypothesis was confi rmed. 35
The international community got together to meet the problem head on. 36
INFOGRAPHIC 2.7 The Montreal Protocol and Its Amendments Have Been Effective 37
CHAPTER 3 INFORMATION LITERACY AND TOXICOLOGY 42 TOXIC BOTTLES? On the trail of chemicals in our everyday lives
We live in an environment full of toxic substances. 44
Regulation happens even in the face of change. 45
Information sources vary in their reliability. 46
INFOGRAPHIC 3.1 Information Sources 47
What are the dangers presented by toxics, and how do we determine safe exposure levels? 47
VII
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VIII
INFOGRAPHIC 3.2 Bioaccumulation and Biomagnifi cation 48 3.3 BPA Studies 50 3.4 Factors That Affect Toxicity 52
Endocrine disruptors cause big problems at small doses. 52
INFOGRAPHIC 3.5 How Hormones Work 53 3.6 Dose-Response Curves 54
Critical thinking gives us the tools to uncover logical fallacies in arguments or claims. 55
TABLE 3.1 Common Logical Fallacies 56
Risk assessments help determine safe exposure levels. 58
HUMANS POPULATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
CHAPTER 4 HUMAN POPULATIONS 62 ONE-CHILD CHINA GROWS UP A country faces the outcomes of radical population control
Human populations grew slowly at fi rst and then at a much faster rate in recent years. 64
INFOGRAPHIC 4.1 Human Population Through History 64 4.2 Population Distribution 66 4.3 Age Structure Affects Future Population Growth 67
Fertility rates are aff ected by a variety of factors. 68
INFOGRAPHIC 4.4 We Live In Two Demographic Worlds 69
Factors that decrease the death rate can also decrease overall population growth rates. 70
INFOGRAPHIC 4.5 Demographic Transition 71 4.6 Declining Population Growth Rates 72 4.7 Reaching Zero Population Growth 74
The age and gender composition of a population aff ects more than just its potential for growth. 73
Carrying capacity: Is zero population growth enough? 75
INFOGRAPHIC 4.8 How Many People Can Earth Support? 76
What awaits China’s generation of Little Emperors? 77
CHAPTER 5 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 80 ERADICATING A PARASITIC NIGHTMARE Human health is intricately linked to the environment
Human manipulation of the environment can increase our exposure to pathogens. 83
INFOGRAPHIC 5.1 Types of Environmental Hazards 85
Public health programs seek to improve community health. 84
INFOGRAPHIC 5.2 Public Health Problems Seek to Improve Health of the Population as a Whole 86 5.3 Environmental Factors Contribute to the Global Burden of Disease 87 5.4 A Variety of Pathogens Cause Disease 88
Addressing biological hazards requires environmental and behavioral changes. 88
INFOGRAPHIC 5.5 Guinea Worm Infection and Eradication Programs 90
The factors that aff ect human health diff er signifi cantly between more and less developed nations. 90
Environmentally mediated diseases can be mitigated with funding, support, and education. 91
INFOGRAPHIC 5.6 Death Rates and Leading Causes of Death Differ Among Nations 92
TABLE 5.1 Reducing Environmental Health Hazards 93
INFOGRAPHIC 5.7 Eradicating Guinea Worm Disease 94
CONSUMPTION AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT
CHAPTER 6 ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS AND CONSUMPTION 98 WALL TO WALL, CRADLE TO CRADLE A leading carpet company takes a chance on going green
Businesses and individuals impact the environment with their economic decisions. 101
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IX
INFOGRAPHIC 6.1 Value of Ecosystem Services 101 6.2 Ecological Footprint 103 6.3 Capital and Interest 104 6.4 The IPAT Equation 105
Mainstream economics supports some actions that are not sustainable. 105
INFOGRAPHIC 6.5 True Cost Accounting 107 6.6 Economic Models 108 6.7 Cradle-to-Cradle Management 110
Businesses can learn a great deal about how to be sustainable from nature. 111
INFOGRAPHIC 6.8 Product Versus Service Economy 113
There are many tactics for achieving sustainability 112
CHAPTER 7 MANAGING SOLID WASTE 118 A PLASTIC SURF Are the oceans teeming with trash?
Waste is a uniquely human invention, generated by uniquely human activities. 121
INFOGRAPHIC 7.1 U.S. Municipal Solid Waste Stream 123
How big is the Atlantic Garbage Patch, and is it growing? 123
How we handle waste determines where it ends up. 124
INFOGRAPHIC 7.2 Municipal Solid Waste Disposal 125 7.3 How It Works: An Incinerator 127
Solid waste pollution threatens all living things. 127
INFOGRAPHIC 7.4 Plastic Trash Affects Wildlife 128
Some waste is hazardous and needs to be handled carefully. 129
INFOGRAPHIC 7.5 Household Hazardous Wastes 130
When it comes to managing waste, the best solutions mimic nature. 130
INFOGRAPHIC 7.6 Composting 131
Life-cycle analysis and better design can help reduce waste. 130
INFOGRAPHIC 7.7 Industrial Ecology 132
Consumers have a role to play, too. 132
INFOGRAPHIC 7.8 The Four Rs Help You Reduce Waste 134
ECOLOGY
CHAPTER 8 ECOSYSTEMS AND NUTRIENT CYCLING 138 ENGINEERING EARTH An ambitious attempt to replicate Earth’s life support systems falls short
Organisms and their habitats form complex systems. 140
INFOGRAPHIC 8.1 Organization of Life: From Biosphere to Individual 142 8.2 Habitat and Niche 143 8.3 Earth Is a Closed System for Matter but Not for Energy 143 8.4 Global Terrestrial Biomes 144 8.5 Map of Biosphere 2 147
Living things survive within a specifi c range of environmental conditions. 146
INFOGRAPHIC 8.6 Range of Tolerance for Life 148
Nutrients such as carbon cycle through ecosystems. 149
INFOGRAPHIC 8.7 Carbon Cycles via Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration 150 8.8 The Carbon Cycle 151 8.9 The Nitrogen Cycle 152 8.10 The Phosphorus Cycle 153
Ecosystems are irreplaceable, but learning how they function will help us restore degraded ones. 155
CHAPTER 9 POPULATION ECOLOGY 158 THE WOLF WATCHERS Endangered gray wolves return to the American West
Populations fl uctuate in size and have varied distributions. 161
INFOGRAPHIC 9.1 Population Distribution Patterns 163
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Populations display various patterns of growth. 164
INFOGRAPHIC 9.2 Exponential Growth Occurs When There Are No Limits to Growth 165 9.3 Logistic Population Growth 166
A variety of factors aff ect population growth. 166
INFOGRAPHIC 9.4 Density-Dependent and Density-Independent Factors Affect Population Size 167 9.5 Life History Strategies 168 9.6 Some Populations Fluctuate in Size Over Time 169
The loss of the wolf emphasized the importance of an ecosystem’s top predator. 169
INFOGRAPHIC 9.7 Top-Down and Bottom-Up Regulation 171
CHAPTER 10 COMMUNITY ECOLOGY 176 WHAT THE STORK SAYS A bird species in the Everglades reveals the intricacies of a threatened ecosystem
The well-being of a species depends on the health of its ecosystem. 178
Human alterations have changed the face of the Everglades. 180
Matter and energy move through a community via the food web. 181
INFOGRAPHIC 10.1 Everglades Food Web 181 10.2 Trophic Pyramid 183
Communities, such as the ones found in the Everglades, are shaped by biotic and abiotic factors. 183
INFOGRAPHIC 10.3 Species Diversity Includes Richness and Evenness 185 10.4 Mangrove Edges 186 10.5 Edge Effects 187
Changing community structure changes community composition 186
INFOGRAPHIC 10.6 Keystone Species Support Entire Ecosystems 188
Species interactions are extremely important for community viability. 189
INFOGRAPHIC 10.7 Species Interactions 190
Ecologists and engineers help repair ecosystems. 191
INFOGRAPHIC 10.8 The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan 193
Community composition changes over time as the physical features of the ecosystem itself change. 192
INFOGRAPHIC 10.9 Ecological Succession 194
EVOLUTION AND BIODIVERSITY
CHAPTER 11 EVOLUTION AND EXTINCTION 198 A TROPICAL MURDER MYSTERY Finding the missing birds of Guam
Natural selection is the main mechanism by which populations adapt and evolve. 201
INFOGRAPHIC 11.1 Natural Selection at Work 203
Populations need genetic diversity to evolve. 202
INFOGRAPHIC 11.2 Evolution in Action 204 11.3 Coevolution Allows Populations to Adapt to Each Other 206 11.4 Endangered and Extinct Birds of Guam 207
Populations can diverge into subpopulations or new species. 206
INFOGRAPHIC 11.5 Random Events Can Alter Populations 209
The pace of evolution is generally slow but is responsive to selective pressures. 210
Extinction is normal, but the rate at which it is currently occurring appears to be increasing. 210
INFOGRAPHIC 11.6 Earth’s Mass Extinctions 211
Humans aff ect evolution in a number of ways. 212
INFOGRAPHIC 11.7 Humans Use Artifi cial Selection to Produce Plants or Animals with Desired Traits 212
TABLE 11.1 Common Misconceptions about Evolution 214
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XI
CHAPTER 12 BIODIVERSITY 218 PALM PLANET Can we have tropical forests and our palm oil too?
Biodiversity provides a wide range of essential goods and services. 220
INFOGRAPHIC 12.1 Biodiversity on Earth 222 12.2 Ecosystem Services 224
Biodiversity includes variety at the individual, species, and ecosystem levels. 225
INFOGRAPHIC 12.3 Biodiversity Includes Genetic, Species, and Ecosystem Diversity 226 12.4 Biodiversity Hotspots 227
Endemism increases with isolation, as does extinction risk. 228
INFOGRAPHIC 12.5 Isolation Can Affect Populations 229
Biodiversity faces several serious threats. 228
INFOGRAPHIC 12.6 Palm Oil Plantations Are Nothing Like Natural Tropical Forests 230 12.7 Global Forest Change 232
Sustainable palm oil may protect biodiversity. 233
TABLE 12.1 Protecting Biodiversity Requires a Consideration of Economic Goals and Environmental Needs 234
CHAPTER 13 PRESERVING BIODIVERSITY 238 A FOREST WITHOUT ELEPHANTS Can we save one of Earth’s iconic species?
Human impact is the main threat to species worldwide. 241
INFOGRAPHIC 13.1 The Main Threats to Biodiversity Today Come from Humans 242 13.2 Conservation Designations 243
Human impact that threatens the forest elephant also puts its entire ecosystem at risk. 243
There are multiple approaches to species conservation. 244
INFOGRAPHIC 13.3 Single Species Conservation Approach 245 13.4 Species Conservation: An Ecosystem Approach 247 13.5 Tracking Poachers by Using Conservation Genetics 248
Legally mandated protection can aid in species conservation. 249
TABLE 13.1 Legal Protection for Species 249
INFOGRAPHIC 13.6 Global Protected Areas 250
Conservation plans should consider the needs of local human communities. 252
TABLE 13.2 Many Routes to Conservation 254
WATER RESOURCES
CHAPTER 14 FRESHWATER RESOURCES 258 TOILET TO TAP A California county is tapping controversial sources for drinking water
Water is one of the most ubiquitous, yet scarce, resources on Earth. 260
INFOGRAPHIC 14.1 Distribution of Water on Earth 261 14.2 The Water Cycle 262 14.3 Global Water Use and Access 263
Like communities around the world, California depends on many sources of water. 264
INFOGRAPHIC 14.4 Groundwater Is Found in Aquifers of Porous Rock or Permeable Soil 265
Untreated wastewater can contaminate freshwater sources and is a serious health risk worldwide. 266
Solving water shortages is not easy. 268
INFOGRAPHIC 14.5 How it Works: Wastewater Treatment 269
Conservation is an important "source" of water. 272
TABLE 14.1 Water-Saving Technologies and Actions 272
INFOGRAPHIC 14.6 Reducing Our Water Footprint 273
CHAPTER 15 WATER POLLUTION 278 INTO THE GULF Researchers try to pin down what's choking the Gulf of Mexico
Diff erent types of water pollution degrade water quality. 280
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INFOGRAPHIC 15.1 Major Causes of Water Pollution 283 15.2 Eutrophication Can Create Dead Zones 284
The source of pollution can be hard to pinpoint. 284
INFOGRAPHIC 15.3 Watersheds 285
Addressing eutrophication begins in the farm fi eld. 287
INFOGRAPHIC 15.4 Addressing the Problem of Fertilizer Runoff 289
Watershed management is the key to reducing hypoxic zones. 288
INFOGRAPHIC 15.5 Healthy Riparian Areas Provide Many Benefi ts 291 15.6 Increasing Infi ltration of Stormwater 292 15.7 Gulf of Mexico Regional Ecosystem Restoration 293
FOOD RESOURCES
CHAPTER 16 FEEDING THE WORLD 298 A GENE REVOLUTION Can genetically engineered food help end hunger?
World hunger and malnutrition are decreasing but are still unacceptably high. 300
INFOGRAPHIC 16.1 World Hunger 301 16.2 Malnutrition 302
Agricultural advances signifi cantly increased food production in the 20th century. 303
INFOGRAPHIC 16.3 The Perks and Problems of Industrial Agriculture and the Green Revolution 304
The next Green Revolution may be a “gene” revolution. 305
INFOGRAPHIC 16.4 Making a Genetically Modifi ed Organism 307
TABLE 16.1 Examples of GMOs 309
Concerns about GMOs trigger strong debate. 309
It will take a combination of strategies to achieve global food security. 310
INFOGRAPHIC 16.5 The Trade-Offs of GMOs 311 16.6 Low-Tech Farming Methods Can Also Help Address Food Insecurity 312
CHAPTER 17 SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: RAISING CROPS 316 FARMING LIKE AN ECOSYSTEM Creative solutions to feeding the world
INFOGRAPHIC 17.1 Sustainable Agriculture 319
Modern industrial farming has advantages and disadvantages. 319
INFOGRAPHIC 17.2 The Use of Fertilizer Comes with Trade-Offs 321 17.3 Emergence of Pesticide-Resistant Pests 322
Mimicking natural ecosystems can make farms more productive and help address some environmental problems. 324
INFOGRAPHIC 17.4 Agroecology: The Duck/Rice Farm 325
Sustainable techniques can control pests, protect soil, and keep farm productivity high. 327
INFOGRAPHIC 17.5 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) 329 17.6 Sustainable Soil Management Practices 331
Consumers also have a role to play in helping to bring about a sustainable food system. 332
INFOGRAPHIC 17.7 Consumer Choices Matter 333
A sustainable food future will depend on a variety of methods. 332
TABLE 17.1 The Advantages and Disadvantages of Sustainable Agriculture 335
Can sustainable farming methods feed the world? 334
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XIII
CONVENTIONAL ENERGY: FOSSIL FUELS
CHAPTER 18 COAL 833 BRINGING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN In the rubble, the true costs of coal
The world depends on coal for most of its electricity production. 143
INFOGRAPHIC 18.1 How it Works: Electricity Production from Coal 342
Coal forms over millions of years. 343
INFOGRAPHIC 18.2 Coal Formation 443 18.3 Major Coal Deposits of the World 345
s. 344
INFOGRAPHIC 18.4 Mountaintop Removal 643 18.5 Subsurface Mining 743
Surface mining brings severe environmental impacts. 348 Can coal’s emissions be cleaned up? 053
INFOGRAPHIC 18.6 Environmental and Health Problems of Mining and Burning Coal 253 18.7 How it Works: Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) 354
Reclaiming a closed mining site helps repair the area but can never re-create the original ecosystem. 354
INFOGRAPHIC 18.8 Mine Site Reclamation 356
CHAPTER 19 OIL AND NATURAL GAS 360 THE BAKKEN OIL BOOM Is fracking the path to energy independence?
Fossil fuels are a valuable, but nonrenewable, resource. 362
INFOGRAPHIC 19.1 How Oil and Natural Gas Fossil Fuels Form 363
Oil is a limited resource. 463
INFOGRAPHIC 19.2 Proven Oil and Natural Gas Reserves 364 19.3 Peak Oil 563
Conventional oil and natural gas reserves are tapped by drilling wells. 563
INFOGRAPHIC 19.4 How it Works: Conventional Oil and Natural Gas Wells 366 19.5 Processing Crude Oil 367
Fossil fuel extraction and use comes at a high environmental cost. 367
INFOGRAPHIC 19.6 Environmental Costs of Oil 370
Energy producers are turning to unconventional reserves of oil and natural gas. 369
INFOGRAPHIC 19.7 Fracking for Natural Gas or Oil 371 19.8 Unconventional Oil and Natural Gas Reserves in the United States and Canada 373
Pursuing unconventional reserves comes with a high environmental cost. 372
Is fracking the answer to our energy needs? 374
INFOGRAPHIC 19.9 The Trade-Offs of Fracking 375
Oil consumption drives extraction. 375
AIR POLLUTION: CONSEQUENCES OF USING FOSSIL FUELS
CHAPTER 20 AIR POLLUTION 380 THE YOUNGEST SCIENTISTS Kids on the frontlines of asthma research
INFOGRAPHIC 20.1 Air Pollution Is a Worldwide Problem 384
There are many diff erent types of outdoor air pollution. 384
Air pollution is responsible for myriad health and environmental problems. 386
INFOGRAPHIC 20.2 Outdoor Air Pollution 386 20.3 The Harvard Six Cities Study Linked Air Pollution to Health Problems 387
Outdoor air pollution has many sources. 389
TABLE 20.1 Sources and Effects of Air Pollutants 390
The air we breathe aff ects our lungs, especially those of children. 389
Traveling pollution has far-reaching impacts. 392
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INFOGRAPHIC 20.4 Acid Deposition 393
Indoor air pollution is also a signifi cant health threat. 394
INFOGRAPHIC 20.5 Sources of Indoor Air Pollution 593
We have several options for addressing air pollution. 394
INFOGRAPHIC 20.6 Approaches to Reducing Air Pollution 398
CHAPTER 21 CLIMATE CHANGE 402 WHEN THE TREES LEAVE Scientists grapple with a shifting climate
Climate is not the same thing as weather. 404 Evidence of global climate change abounds. 405
INFOGRAPHIC 21.1 A Change in Average Temperature: Why Do Only a Few Degrees Matter? 604 21.2 Evidence for Climate Change 804
ect climate. 704
INFOGRAPHIC 21.3 The Greenhouse E�ect 114 21.4 Albedo Changes Can Increase Warming via Positive Feedback 214 21.5 Climate Forcers 314 21.6 Milankovich Cycles Help Explain Past Climate Change 414 21.7 Direct and Indirect Measurements of Temperature and CO 2 415
Current climate change has both human and natural causes. 416
INFOGRAPHIC 21.8 What’s Causing the Warming? 714
Some tree species are already migrating north, but it doesn’t mean they will survive. 714
INFOGRAPHIC 21.9 Species’ Responses 814
Climate change has environmental, economic, and health consequences. 024 Confronting climate change is challenging. 421
INFOGRAPHIC 21.10 Future Climate Change Depends on Our Current and Future Actions 224 21.11 Current and Potential Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Strategies 424
ALTERNATIVES TO FOSSIL FUELS
CHAPTER 22 NUCLEAR POWER 428 THE FUTURE OF FUKUSHIMA Can nuclear energy overcome its bad rep?
The heat of nuclear reactions can be harnessed to produce electricity. 034
INFOGRAPHIC 22.1 Atoms and Isotopes 234 22.2 Radioactive Decay 334 22.3 Nuclear Fuel Production 434 22.4 Nuclear Fission Reaction 534
Nuclear energy has a troubled history. 436
Nuclear accidents can be devastating. 437
INFOGRAPHIC 22.5 How it Works: Nuclear Reactors 834 22.6 Radioactive Isotopes Can Release One or More of Three Di�erent Kinds of Radiation 439
The generation of nuclear waste is a particularly cult problem to address. 394
INFOGRAPHIC 22.7 Radioactive Waste 144
cult and dangerous work. 044 The impacts of nuclear accidents can be far reaching. 443 Will nuclear play a role in future energy? 444
TABLE 22.1 Nuclear Power: Trade-O�s 644
The future of nuclear energy is uncertain. 445
CHAPTER 23 SUN, WIND, WATER, AND EARTH ENERGY 054 FUELED BY THE SUN A tiny island makes big strides with renewable energy
Sustainable ecosystems and societies rely on renewable energy. 254
To become sustainable, Samsø turned to one of its most plentiful natural resources. 354
INFOGRAPHIC 23.1 Renewable Energy Use 454 23.2 How it Works: Wind Turbines 554
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The most abundant sustainable energy source is the one that powers the planet—the Sun. 456
INFOGRAPHIC 23.3 Solar Energy Technologies Take Many Forms 457
Energy that causes volcanos to erupt and warms hot springs can also heat our homes. 458
INFOGRAPHIC 23.4 Geothermal Energy Can Be Harnessed in a Variety of Ways 460
The power of water can be harnessed but comes with Trade-Off s 459
INFOGRAPHIC 23.5 Harnessing the Power of Water 462
The true cost of various energy technologies can be diffi cult to estimate. 461
TABLE 23.1 The Trade-Offs of Renewable Energy Sources 463
Conservation plays a vital role in a sustainable energy society. 464
TABLE 23.2 Saving Energy 465
INFOGRAPHIC 23.6 Energy Effi ciency 466 23.7 Samsø: The Energy-Positive Island 467
SUSTAINABLE LIVING IN COMMUNITY
CHAPTER 24 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY 470 COUNTERFEIT COOLING In the global efforts to thwart climate change, some lessons are learned after the fact
Public policies aim to improve life in societies. 473
INFOGRAPHIC 24.1 Addressing Transboundary Environmental Problems Requires International Cooperation 474 24.2 Policy Decision Making—The NEPA Process 475
TABLE 24.1 Notable U.S. Environmental Laws 476
Policy making involves many players. 475
INFOGRAPHIC 24.3 Infl uences on U.S. Environmental Policy Decision Making 478
A variety of policy tools are being used to address climate change. 479
INFOGRAPHIC 24.4 Policy Tools 478 24.5 Setting International Policies 481 24.6 International Efforts to Address Global Climate Issues 482
Policies sometimes have unintended consequences. 483
INFOGRAPHIC 24.7 Emission Trends 484 24.8 A Carbon Crediting System Gets Sidetracked 485
Adapting policies is necessary but diffi cult. 486
CHAPTER 25 URBANIZATION AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES 490 THE GHETTO GOES GREEN Building a better backyard in the Bronx
More people live in cities than ever before. 492
INFOGRAPHIC 25.1 Urbanization and the Growth of Megacities 494 25.2 Many Urban Areas Have Lower Per Capita Ecological Footprints than Average 496
TABLE 25.1 Trade-Offs of Urbanization 497
Suburban sprawl consumes open space and wastes resources. 497
INFOGRAPHIC 25.3 Urban Flight Contributes to Suburban Sprawl 499 25.4 Suburban Sprawl 500
Environmental justice requires engaged citizens. 502
INFOGRAPHIC 25.5 Green Cities 503
The future depends on making large cities sustainable. 502
INFOGRAPHIC 25.6 Sustainable Cities and Smart Growth 505 25.7 Green Building 506
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ONLINE CHAPTER 26 MINERAL RESOURCES NO STONE UNTURNED A bevy of unfamiliar minerals are crucial for our everyday technologies—but they come with a slew of problems
Modern society relies heavily on mineral resources.
INFOGRAPHIC 26.1 Mineral Resources are a Part of Our Everyday Lives 26.2 Earth—A Dynamic Planet
Geologic processes produce mineral resources.
INFOGRAPHIC 26.3 Minerals, Rocks, and the Rock Cycle
Extracting and processing mineral resources impacts the environment.
INFOGRAPHIC 26.4 Mining Techniques 26.5 Extraction of Minerals From Ore Requires Many Processing Steps 26.6 The Environmental Impacts of Mining
Mining also comes with signifi cant social consequences.
INFOGRAPHIC 26.7 The Social Impact of Mining
There are many ways to decrease our use of mineral resources.
INFOGRAPHIC 26.8 Aluminum Recycling: A Success Story 26.9 Alternatives that Reduce Our Use of Mineral Resources
ONLINE CHAPTER 27 SOIL RESOURCES AND GRASSLANDS RESTORING THE RANGE The key to recovering the world’s grasslands may be a surprising one
Grasslands provide a wide range of important goods and services.
INFOGRAPHIC 27.1 Grasslands of the World 27.2 Grassland Goods and Services
Grasslands face a variety of human and natural threats.
INFOGRAPHIC 27.3 Desertifi cation
The importance of soil can't be overemphasized.
INFOGRAPHIC 27.4 Soil Formation
Grasslands can benefi t from the grazing style of wildlife but can be degraded by the grazing practices of modern ranching.
INFOGRAPHIC 27.5 Impacts of wild versus domestic grazers 27.6 Undergrazing can increase the proportion of unpalatable
species.
Counteracting overgrazing requires careful planning.
Nature off ers clues about how to use grasslands sustainably.
INFOGRAPHIC 27.7 Planned Grazing
There are many ways to protect grasslands.
TABLE 27.1 Protecting Grasslands
ONLINE CHAPTER 28 FORESTS RETURNING TREES TO HAITI Repairing a forest ecosystem one tree at a time
The type of forest found in an area refl ects local climatic conditions.
INFOGRAPHIC 28.1 Forests of the World 28.2 Cross Section of a Forest
Forests provide a range of goods and services and face a number of threats.
INFOGRAPHIC 28.3 Ecosystem Services of Forests 28.4 Threats to Forests
Forests can be managed to protect or enhance their ecological and economic productivity.
INFOGRAPHIC 28.5 Timber-Harvesting Techniques
When it comes to protecting forests, we have many options.
TABLE 28.1 Protecting Forests
ONLINE CHAPTER 29 MARINE ECOSYSTEMS ACID OCEANS Aquanauts explore an ecosystem on the brink
Acidifi cation threatens life in the world’s oceans.
INFOGRAPHIC 29.1 pH and Ocean Acidifi cation 29.2 Acidifi cation Alters Ocean Chemistry and Calcifi cation
Marine ecosystems are diverse.
INFOGRAPHIC 29.3 Ocean Life Zones 29.4 Coral reefs: Distribution and Status
AVAILABLE ONLINE IN
http://www.macmillanhighered.com/launchpad/saes2e
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Can some populations adapt to ocean acidifi cation?
Coral reefs are complex communities with lots of interspecifi c interactions.
INFOGRAPHIC 29.5 Coral Biology 29.6 Coral Bleaching
The world’s oceans face many other threats.
INFOGRAPHIC 29.7 Threats to Oceans
Reducing the threats to oceans requires a multi-pronged approach.
TABLE 29.1 Reducing the Threats to Ocean Ecosystems
ONLINE CHAPTER 30 AGRICULTURE: RAISING LIVESTOCK A CARNIVORE’S CONUNDRUM Disease, pollution, and the true costs of meat
The way we raise livestock may jeopardize the safety of food products.
INFOGRAPHIC 30.1 E. Coli—Just the Tip of the Iceberg
Affl uence infl uences diet.
INFOGRAPHIC 30.2 Affl uence Affects Diet and Health
CAFOs can raise a large number of animals quickly, but incur a huge environmental cost.
INFOGRAPHIC 30.3 Growing Livestock: Feed and Water Needs 30.4 From Farm to You
A variety of methods can reduce E. coli contamination.
INFOGRAPHIC 30.5 E. Coli 0157:H7 Infections are Decreasing in the United States
There are more sustainable ways to grow livestock.
U.S. food policies support industrial agriculture.
INFOGRAPHIC 30.6 Agricultural Policy Must Consider Trade-Offs
Consumer choices can increase food supply.
INFOGRAPHIC 30.7 Diet and Carrying Capacity
ONLINE CHAPTER 31 FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE FISH IN A WAREHOUSE? How one Baltimore fi sh scientist could change the way we eat
Industrial fi shing is impacting fi sheries worldwide.
INFOGRAPHIC 31.1 Meet the Cod 31.2 Bottom Trawling
Humans rely on protein from fi sh but overfi shing of wild stocks makes it harder for fi sh populations to recover.
INFOGRAPHIC 31.3 Fishing Down the Food Chain 31.4 Status of Marine Fisheries
Laws exist to protect and manage fi sheries.
INFOGRAPHIC 31.5 Protection for Marine Areas
Scientists study the possibility of growing marine fi sh indoors.
Aquaculture presents environmental challenges.
TABLE 31.1 Net Pen and Pond Aquaculture: Problems and Possible Solutions
Indoor fi sh farming may provide a solution.
INFOGRAPHIC 31.6 Biomimicry in the Pool
ONLINE CHAPTER 32 BIOFUELS GAS FROM GRASS Will an ordinary prairie grass become the next biofuel?
Biofuels are a potentially important alternative to fossil fuels.
INFOGRAPHIC 32.1 Biofuel Sources
Biofuels can come from unexpected sources.
INFOGRAPHIC 32.2 Waste to Energy
Turning grass into gas is less environmentally friendly than it sounds.
TABLE 32.1 Biofuel Trade-Offs
Tilman’s experiments showed the importance of biodiversity.
INFOGRAPHIC 32.3 LIHD Crops Offer Advantages Over Traditional Monoculture Biofuel Crops
There is another rising biofuel star: Algae.
INFOGRAPHIC 32.4 Biofuels from Algae
There are many reasons why biofuels have not solved our dependence on fossil fuels.
INFOGRAPHIC 32.5 Bioethanol Production
Multiple solutions will be needed to help replace fossil fuels.
INFOGRAPHIC 32.6 Energy Effi ciency and Conservation are Part of the Solution
Despite ongoing controversies and setbacks, the future of biofuels looks bright.
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SUSAN KARR, MS, is an Instructor in the biology department of Carson-Newman University in Jeff erson City, Tennessee, and has been teaching for more than 20 years. She has served on campus and community environmental sustainability groups and helps produce an annual “State of the Environment” report on the environmental health of her county. In addition to teaching non-majors courses in environmental science and human biology, she teaches an upper- level course in animal behavior where she and her students train dogs from the local animal shelter in a program that improves the animals’ chances of adoption. She received degrees in animal behavior and forestry from the University of Georgia.
JENEEN INTERLANDI, MA, MS, is a science writer who contributes to Scientifi c American and The New York Times Magazine. Previously, she spent four years as a staff writer for Newsweek, where she covered health, science, and the environment. Jeneen has worked as a researcher at both Harvard Medical School and Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory. She was a 2013 Nieman Fellow. In 2014 she received a grant from the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting, to cover the struggles of Roma ascension in Hungary. Jeneen holds Master’s degrees in environmental science and journalism, both from Columbia University in New York.
ANNE HOUTMAN, DPHIL, is Dean of the School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering, and Professor of Biological Sciences at California State University, Bakersfi eld. Her research interests are in the behavioral ecology of birds. She is strongly committed to evidence-based, experiential education and has been an active participant in the national dialogue on science education—how best to teach science to future scientists and future science “consumers”—for almost 20 years. Anne received her doctorate in zoology from the University of Oxford and conducted postdoc toral research at the University of Toronto.
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Dear Reader, For more than 20 years as an environmental science and biology instructor I’ve found that “stories” capture the imagination of my students. Students are genuinely interested in environmental issues—and using stories to teach these issues makes the science more relevant and meaningful to them. Many leave the class with an understanding that what they do really matters, and they feel a willingness to act on that knowledge. This is why I am enthusiastic about our textbook, Environmental Science for a Changing World.
Each chapter will keep students engaged and reading to fi nd out “what happens next.” At the same time, explanations of science are woven into the narrative and illustrated in vivid infographics that give additional detail without slowing down the story. We’ve heard from instructors using the book (and our own students) and we know students are actually reading the textbook and being drawn into the stories, making it is easier for them to make connections between the environmental science concepts being taught and the “bigger picture” of why it matters.
In this book we’ve broken some topics down into multiple chapters—for instance, we present separate, short chapters on coal, petroleum and natural gas, and nuclear power rather than the traditional single chapter on conventional energy. This gives instructors the fl exibility to focus on discrete topics if they choose.
In this second edition, we have added some popular chapters (originally in the extended edition only): Environmental Health, Environmental Policy, World Hunger, and Biodiversity Preservation. We also moved some of the chapters online to LaunchPad, the textbook’s web platform, as a way to make all of our chapters available to every adopter, giving even more fl exibility in choosing which chapters and topics to cover. (LaunchPad chapters new to the second edition include a chapter on Mineral Resources and Geology as well as an additional agriculture chapter on Raising Livestock in CAFOs. Other chapters found in the fi rst edition that now reside on LaunchPad include chapters on Forest Resources, Grasslands and Soils, Marine Resources, Fisheries, and Biofuels.) Every chapter has been updated to include the latest information.
We also listened to instructor feedback and in this second edition we have added pedagogical aids such as key concepts and end-of-chapter study aids that are tied to the guiding questions that open each chapter. This will help students focus on the important environmental science concepts being presented in the chapter. We’ve also added questions to each infographic to better engage the student with the fi gures and diagrams.
As with the fi rst edition, the text focuses on building core competencies for the non-major: environmental literacy, science literacy, and information literacy. End-of-chapter and online exercises provide further opportunities to develop these competencies, as well as critical thinking skills.
Environmental Literacy: The scientifi c, social, political, and economic facets of contemporary environmental issues are examined with a focus on the scientifi c concepts and drivers underlying issues. Material is presented in a balanced way, especially for controversial topics. Sustainable solutions are presented.
Science Literacy: Each chapter includes experimental evidence and graphical data representation, and describes the day-to-day work of scientists, giving students many opportunities to evaluate evidence and understand the process of science.
Information Literacy: Students must be able to both fi nd information and assess its quality. We explain how to effectively search for and fi nd scientifi c information, and how to critically analyze that information.
Every person involved in this book—the writers, illustrators, editors, and fellow instructors—has one sincere objective: to help students become informed citizens who are able to analyze issues, evaluate arguments, discuss solutions, and recognize trade-offs as they make up their own minds about our most pressing environmental challenges.
Sincerely,
Susan Karr
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CAPTIVATING STORIES STUDENTS FOLLOW ONE RIVETING STORY THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE CHAPTER
Laurel Sutherlin of the Rainforest Action Network went to Sumatra to gauge the impact of the expanding palm oil industry on the island.
See page 220
The orangutan is among the many species being driven to the edge of extinction by the pursuit of palm oil. So much of the Sumatran rain forest land has been laid low that Laurel Sutherlin and his team had to travel overnight and through the morning to reach an untouched section. But once there, they witnessed fi rsthand its rich biodiversity.
See pages 223, 235, 238 & 242
FROM THE OPENING PAGE TO THE END-OF CHAPTER QUESTIONS, AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN, EACH CHAPTER FOLLOWS AN ENGAGING REAL STORY THAT ILLUSTRATES AND MOTIVATES CORE SCIENCE CONCEPTS. HERE ARE FOUR OF MANY PLACES IN THIS CHAPTER WHERE THE STORY UNFOLDS.
Vier Pfoten/Four Paws/RHOI/Rex Features via AP Images
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In 2012, Malaysian geneticist Raviga Sambanthamurthi and her team of researchers discovered the SHELL gene, which is responsible for the most productive palm oil fruit. Farmers now can identify the seeds for this fruit before planting, and produce more oil per hectare.
See page 233
Consumer demands are leading to changes in the palm oil industry. Thanks to the “Snack Food 20” Campaign by Laurel Sutherlin’s Rainforest Action Network, some of the world’s largest snack food companies have pledged to use only sustainably produced palm oil.
See pages 244-245
CHAPTER 12:
PALM PLANET: Can we have tropical forests and our palm oil too?
CHAPTER 12:
PALM PLANET: Can we have tropical forests and our palm oil too?
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ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE FOR A CHANGING WORLD OFFERS A CONSISTENT METHODOLOGY FOR TEACHING THE FIELD’S ESSENTIAL SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS, WITH EACH CHAPTER CENTERED AROUND FIVE GUIDING QUESTIONS.
THESE QUESTIONS ESTABLISH A CLEAR, STEP-BY-STEP PATHWAY THROUGH THE CHAPTER FROM THE OPENING STORY; THROUGH THE NARRATIVE, KEY CONCEPT CALLOUTS, PHOTOS, INFOGRAPHICS; TO THE END-OF-CHAPTER ASSESSMENT. THE QUESTIONS BRING THE SCIENCE IN THE CHAPTER TO THE FOREFRONT, SO STUDENTS NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS WHILE READING THE STORY.
218 C H A P T E R 12 : B I O D I V E R S I T YC H A P T E R 1: E N V I R O N M E N TA L L I T E R A C Y218
C H A PT E R 1 2 B I O D I V E R S I T Y
PALM PLANET
What is biodiversity, and why is it important? How many species are estimated to live on Earth, and which taxonomic groups have the most species?
How do genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity each contribute to ecosystem function and services?
1 2AFTER READING THIS CHAPTER, YOU SHOULD
BE ABLE TO ANSWER THE FOLLOWING
GUIDING QUESTIONS
CORE MESSAGE The variety of life on Earth is
tremendous. This biodiversity provides important ecological
services to ecosystems; we depend on these services for
things like food, medicine, and economic development. The
decline of biodiversity has serious ramifications for other species
as well as human well-being, so we should evaluate actions that
threaten biodiversity and take steps to reduce the impact when possible.
Can we have tropical forests and our palm oil too?
1
pg 235 pg 236
2 3
pg 239
EMPOWERING SCIENCE
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Each chapter begins with a Core Message and a series of Guiding Questions that focus students on the chapter’s central scientifi c content.
The new Key Concepts correspond to the Guiding Questions, re-emphasizing the chapter’s essential scientifi c ideas.
Moving through the chapter, students encounter icons that connect the Guiding Questions to specifi c sections and infographics, where they’ll fi nd the information they need to think critically about the question.
Guiding Questions provide the framework for the end- of-chapter pedagogy, which includes references back to relevant infographics to help students answer the questions and prepare for exams.
1
2
3
4
219PA L M P L A N E T
What role does isolation play in a species’ vulnerability to extinction? How do habitat destruction and fragmentation threaten species?
How can we acquire the food, fiber, fuel, and pharmaceutical resources we need without damaging the ecosystems that provide those resources?
What are biodiversity hotspots, and why are they important?
In the past two decades, more than 20 million acres of rain forest have been cleared and planted as oil palm plantations JAMES P. BLAIR/ National Geographic Creative
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What role does isolation play in a species’ vulnerability to extinction? How do habitat destruction and fragmentation threaten species?
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4 ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUE What is biodiversity, and why is it important? How many species are estimated to live on Earth, and which taxonomic groups have the most species?
INFOGRAPHICS 12.1 AND 12.2
1. Give a basic definition of biodiversity.
2. The total number of different species on Earth: a. is unknown, but insects are the most numerous species. b. is a few million, mostly bacteria and fungi. c. is more than 20 million, with half of them being plants. d. is less than 1 million, mostly vertebrates.
3. Why is biodiversity loss a concern? a. It primarily occurs in the developed world, where most of the
world’s population lives. b. It increases the degree of endemism in an area. c. It primarily affects well-known and charismatic species like
elephants and orangutans. d. It disrupts ecological connections, potentially diminishing
ecosystem services.
How do genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity each contribute to ecosystem function and services?
INFOGRAPHIC 12.3
4. An example of species diversity might be: a. the wide variety of coloration and tail size in guppies. b. the diverse habitat types and organisms inhabiting a deep lake,
its edges, and the surrounding meadow and forest areas. c. the many different species inhabiting a swamp. d. None of the above.
5. True or False: As ecosystem diversity increases, so does species diversity.
6. All apples belong to the species Malus domestica. The wide variety of apples available in the produce department of your local grocery store is an example of __________________ diversity.
What are biodiversity hotspots, and why are they important?
INFOGRAPHIC 12.4
7. True or False: Biodiversity hotspots are areas with many endemic species that are well protected and not threatened with endangerment.
8. A species that naturally occurs in only one place is called: a. an endangered species. b. a hotspot species. c. an endemic species. d. a threatened species.
What role does isolation play in a species’ vulnerability to extinction? How do habitat destruction and fragmentation threaten species?
INFOGRAPHICS 12.5 AND 12.6
9. The leading human cause of species endangerment is ______________________ ______________________.
10. Why are many of the biodiversity hotspots around the world on islands?
a. Islands accumulate species from many different areas. b. Populations of island species are isolated. c. Islands have more diverse habitats. d. There are more niches on islands.
11. Why are isolated populations more vulnerable to extinction than populations that are not isolated from each other?
How can we acquire the food, fiber, fuel, and pharmaceutical resources we need without damaging the ecosystems that provide those resources?
TABLE 12.1
12. Evaluate the trade-offs of using palm oil as a replacement for trans fats and make a recommendation regarding our future path that considers economic, environmental, and societal needs.
13. How can you, as an individual, help maintain biodiversity worldwide? Justify your choices.
1 3
2
4
5
What role does isolation play in a species’ vulnerability to extinction? How do habitat destruction and fragmentation threaten species?
INFOGRAPHICS 12.5 AND 12.6
9. The leading human cause of species endangerment is ______________________ ______________________.
10. Why are many of the biodiversity hotspots around the world on islands?
a. Islands accumulate species from many different areas. b. Populations of island species are isolated. c. Islands have more diverse habitats. d. There are more niches on islands.
11. Why are isolated populations more vulnerable to extinction than populations that are not isolated from each other?
4
pg 246
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F
REVISED, LEARNING-FRIENDLY TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOOD RESOURCES
CHAPTER 16 FEEDING THE WORLD 298 A GENE REVOLUTION
CHAPTER 17 SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: RAISING CROPS 316 FARMING LIKE AN ECOSYSTEM
CONVENTIONAL ENERGY: FOSSIL FUELS
CHAPTER 18 COAL 338 BRINGING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN
CHAPTER 19 OIL AND NATURAL GAS 360 THE BAKKEN OIL BOOM
AIR POLLUTION: CONSEQUENCES OF USING FOSSIL FUELS
CHAPTER 20 AIR POLLUTION 381 THE YOUNGEST SCIENTISTS
CHAPTER 21 CLIMATE CHANGE 402 WHEN THE TREES LEAVE
CO S
In the past two decades, more than 20 million acres of rainforest—primarily in Indonesia— have been cleared and planted as palm oil plantations. Chapter 12 dives into the Trade-Offs associated with this new, ubiquitous ingredient, and how we might use sustainable practices to keep our palm oil, and rainforests too.
An oil boom is transforming sleepy towns into overcrowded, bustling, urban hubs. To access the oil, the industry is using a new kind of technology called fracking. Chapter 19 delves into the impacts, both social and environmental, of this new way of harvesting oil.
THE MOST CURRENT STORIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. BRAND
NEW STORIES IN THIS EDITION:
WHAT’S NEW
A patch of the Gulf of Mexico the size of Connecticut is plagued by low-oxygen waters—conditions that threaten wildlife and the local economy. Researchers profi led in Chapter 15 have been working tirelessly to pinpoint the oxygen- depleting culprit and come up with ways we might help the Gulf breathe again.
ONE UNIFIED BOOK THAT COVERS THE MOST ESSENTIAL CONTENT IN THE COURSE
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 15
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218 C H A P T E R 12 : B I O D I V E R S I T YC H A P T E R 1: E N V I R O N M E N TA L L I T E R A C Y218
C H A PT E R 1 2 B I O D I V E R S I T Y
PALM PLANET
What is biodiversity, and why is it important? How many species are estimated to live on Earth, and which taxonomic groups have the most species?
How do genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity each contribute to ecosystem function and services?
1 2AFTER READING THIS CHAPTER, YOU SHOULD
BE ABLE TO ANSWER THE FOLLOWING
GUIDING QUESTIONS
CORE MESSAGE The variety of life on Earth is
tremendous. This biodiversity provides important ecological
services to ecosystems; we depend on these services for
things like food, medicine, and economic development. The
decline of biodiversity has serious ramifications for other species
as well as human well-being, so we should evaluate actions that
threaten biodiversity and take steps to reduce the impact when possible.
Can we have tropical forests and our palm oil too?
219PA L M P L A N E T
What role does isolation play in a species’ vulnerability to extinction? How do habitat destruction and fragmentation threaten species?
How can we acquire the food, fiber, fuel, and pharmaceutical resources we need without damaging the ecosystems that provide those resources?
What are biodiversity hotspots, and why are they important?
In the past two decades, more than 20 million acres of rain forest have been cleared and planted as oil palm plantations JAMES P. BLAIR/ National Geographic Creative
3 4 5
NEW WAYS OF EMPOWERING SCIENCE LEARNING
A LEARNING PATH AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH CHAPTER HOMES STUDENT ATTENTION TO THE CORE MESSAGE AND GUIDING QUESTIONS.
KEY CONCEPTS ALERT STUDENTS TO SALIENT TAKE-HOME MESSAGES WITHIN THE CHAPTER TEXT AND ENFORCE THE GUIDING QUESTIONS.
EACH INFOGRAPHIC IS TAGGED TO A GUIDING QUESTION—THE CONTENT
IN THE FIGURE HELPS STUDENTS ANSWER THE QUESTION. NEW
CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN ADDED TO EACH FIGURE
IN THE BOOK.
NEW PRACTICE QUESTIONS IN THE END-OF-CHAPTER MATERIAL TEACH EACH GUIDING QUESTION.
27 1PA L M P L A N E T
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Many hotspots are in tropical areas, but some are also found in areas further north and south of the equator. Why do you suppose so many non-tropical coastal areas are biodiversity hotspots?
TERRESTRIAL AQUATIC
Malaysia
Sumatra
TROPICAL ANDES 15,000 endemic plants, 487 threatened species, 2 extinct
POLYNESIA-MICRONESIA 3,074 endemic plants, 99 threatened species, 43 extinct
GUINEAN FORESTS 1,800 endemic plants, 115 threatened species, 0 extinct
INDO-MALAYAN ARCHIPELAGO 15,000 endemic plants, 162 threatened species, 4 extinct
INFOGRAPHIC 12.4 BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS 3
Biodiversity hotspots, areas with high numbers of endemic but endangered species, cover a small percentage of land and water areas but hold more than 40%–50% of all plant and vertebrate endemic animal species. Most hotspots are located in tropical biomes or in isolated terrestrial ecosystems, such as mountains or islands. Even small disturbances, such as a small farm plot or road that cuts through the area, can threaten endemic species that populate specialized niches in these hotspots.
cal forests tend to be particularly flush with both gical and species diversity, thanks largely to the dant sunlight and climatic conditions conducive wth. The forests that are currently being laid
n Sumatra are no tion. They have left unhampered for ny millennia that steamy amphibious stems swarm with
nucopia of life: ants, orangutans, , tigers, and every er of bird and beetle
uman imagination thom. “The truth one has any idea
many species used to ere,” Sutherlin says. the species in these s have yet to be described ence.”
stunning example w ecological diversity
biodiversity, researchers
instrumental value An object’s or species’ worth, based on its usefulness to humans.
Protecting biodiversity hotspots, areas with
high numbers of endangered endemic
species, can be a cost- effective way to protect
a large number of endangered species.
KEY CONCEPT 12.4
280 C H A P T E R 12 : B I O D I V E R S I T Y
ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUE
What is biodiversity, and why is it important? How many species are estimated to live on Earth, and which taxonomic groups have the most species?
INFOGRAPHICS 12.1 AND 12.2
1. Give a basic definition of biodiversity.
2. The total number of different species on Earth: a. is unknown, but insects are the most numerous species. b. is a few million, mostly bacteria and fungi. c. is more than 20 million, with half of them being plants. d. is less than 1 million, mostly vertebrates.
3. Why is biodiversity loss a concern? a. It primarily occurs in the developed world, where most of the
world’s population lives. b. It increases the degree of endemism in an area. c. It primarily affects well-known and charismatic species like
elephants and orangutans. d. It disrupts ecological connections, potentially diminishing
ecosystem services.
How do genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity each contribute to ecosystem function and services?
INFOGRAPHIC 12.3
4. An example of species diversity might be: a. the wide variety of coloration and tail size in guppies. b. the diverse habitat types and organisms inhabiting a deep lake,
its edges, and the surrounding meadow and forest areas. c. the many different species inhabiting a swamp. d. None of the above.
5. True or False: As ecosystem diversity increases, so does species diversity.
6. All apples belong to the species Malus domestica. The wide variety of apples available in the produce department of your local grocery store is an example of __________________ diversity.
What are biodiversity hotspots, and why are they important?
INFOGRAPHIC 12.4
7. True or False: Biodiversity hotspots are areas with many endemic species that are well protected and not threatened with endangerment.
8. A species that naturally occurs in only one place is called: a. an endangered species. b. a hotspot species. c. an endemic species. d. a threatened species.
What role does isolation play in a species’ vulnerability to extinction? How do habitat destruction and fragmentation threaten species?
INFOGRAPHICS 12.5 AND 12.6
9. The leading human cause of species endangerment is ______________________ ______________________.
10. Why are many of the biodiversity hotspots around the world on islands?
a. Islands accumulate species from many different areas. b. Populations of island species are isolated. c. Islands have more diverse habitats. d. There are more niches on islands.
11. Why are isolated populations more vulnerable to extinction than populations that are not isolated from each other?
How can we acquire the food, fiber, fuel, and pharmaceutical resources we need without damaging the ecosystems that provide those resources?
TABLE 12.1
12. Evaluate the trade-offs of using palm oil as a replacement for trans fats and make a recommendation regarding our future path that considers economic, environmental, and societal needs.
13. How can you, as an individual, help maintain biodiversity worldwide? Justify your choices.
1 3
2
4
5
281PA L M P L A N E T
Habitat loss is currently the main driver of species endangerment and extinction, but habitat loss need not be complete to cause a problem; habitat fragmentation may also be an insurmountable problem for some species. Islands that are created when a river is dammed to form a reservoir provide instant habitat fragments. Luke Gibson and his team evaluated the number of small mammal species in large (10–56 hectares [25–140 acres]) and small (<10 hectares [<25 acres]) forested islands in Chiew Larn Reservoir of Thailand. Island sampling was done shortly after the reservoir was formed (about 6 years after isolation); the islands were sampled again about 26 years after isolation. Their results are below. (For comparison, on average, nine species were found on mainland (pre-reservoir) plots; the richness did not change in this mainland forest over the study period.)
SCIENCE LITERACY WORKING WITH DATA
Island Area of Island (hectares) Species Richness
(6 years) Species Richness
(26 years)
Large islands
6 56.3 12 5
5 12.1 9 3
9 10.4 7 1
Small islands
28 4.7 2 2
7 1.9 3 2
33 1.7 1 1
3 1.4 2 1
41 1.1 3 1
39 1.0 3 1
40 0.8 2 1
2 0.4 2 1
16 0.3 2 1
Interpretation
1. Before evaluating the data, draw a graph that compares species richness of large islands 6 years after isolation versus 26 years after isolation and that also shows the same for small islands. (Hint: Calculate the average species richness values for each group and draw a bar graph that allows you to directly compare the richness of large islands after both sampling periods to the richness of small islands after both sampling periods.)
2. Consider that species richness before isolation was nine. How does the species richness compare in large islands before isolation (use “mainland” data), 6 years after isolation, and 26 years after isolation? How does it compare for the small islands over those two sampling periods?
Advance your Thinking
3. What might lead to the difference in species richness losses in large islands compared to small islands?
4. On all of the islands, the most common (and sometimes only) small mammal 26 years after isolation was a non-native rat. Could this have had an influence on the loss of the other, native species? Explain.
5. What conclusion can be drawn regarding the value of leaving behind fragmented forest landscapes for protecting species that live in the habitat fragments?
Number of Small Mammal Species (Richness) Found on Islands 6 and 26 Years after Isolation
Visit the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) website (www.worldwildlife. org). Explore the website to learn about the organization and their work to protect endangered species.
1. What is the mission of the WWF? How do you know this?
2. Read about several of the species that WWF is protecting: Do they use a single species conservation approach, an ecosystem conservation approach, or both? Does it support their stated mission?
3. What scientific evidence does the organization provide to indicate that their work is effective at protecting species?