The Delicate Balance, Part 1: The Human Imprint
The last half century or so has seen the impact of human enterprise on the environment escalate beyond the collective impact of humans over the previous four billion years. Human endeavors have changed the composition of the atmosphere, changed the...
Living Together: Symbiotic Relationships
The relationship between some of the algae and animals living in a coral reef is symbiotic, meaning the two species live together. Symbiotic relationships between residents of coral reefs or other communities can be mutually beneficial, but that is ...
Living Together: Coral Reefs: Structures and Communities
Sometimes referred to as the rain forest of the sea, coral reefs are home to a diverse array of producers, consumers and scavengers. Collectively, these comprise a dynamic ecosystem that is, in every sense of the word, a community.
Living Together: Threats to Coral Reefs
Symbiosis within a reef community can be threatened by a number of factors. These include severe storms, nutrient discharge from farming and agriculture, and a process known as bleaching, which may be related to global warming.
Waste and Other Threats to Oceans and Marine Life
Explorer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau talks about the adverse effects of waste, heavy metals and other chemicals on the ocean and marine life.
Treasure Trove: Marine Resources and Pharmaceutical Products
Among the most intriguing of all marine resources are those that have potential pharmaceutical applications. While there are significant challenges involved in harvesting marine resources for medical use, the potential for improving and even saving ...
Environmental Impact of Humans Over the Past Century, The
Paul Ehrlich, best known for his work on population growth, observes that during the past century, man has gone from being just one more animal inhabiting planet Earth, to dramatically and perhaps forever altering the environmental landscape of this...