A Look @ Biodiversity

I agree that when compared to the efforts going toward preserving endangered species, that the decline versus the recovery is absolutely stifling, however, research from this decade suggests that positive results are on the rise (Jeffery, Kiernan, Martin, Rachlinski, Suckling & Taylor, 2011). In regards to the Endangered Species Act, it was documented throughout the 1990’s that recovery starts to become a realistic goal the longer a species remained on the endangered species list (Jeffery, Kiernan, Martin, Rachlinski, Suckling & Taylor, 2011). What is the price of quality living? What is the price of life? I believe those are questions one need ask oneself when considering opposition of any brand of environmental reform. The fact is, as of 2010, the evidence of a need for further environmental reform is undeniable.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in 2010 12% of all birds, 21% of mammals, 28% of reptiles, 37% of fresh-water fish, 50% of amphibians, and a horrifying 70% of botanical species are in danger of extinction and actual number are on the rise, daily (Godoy, 2010). According to the World Wildlife Fund, (WWF) 27% of known species vanished between the years of 1970 and 2005 (Godoy, 2010). Europe’s TEEB (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity) suggest loss of 7.2 billion USD between the years of 2000 and 2050, attributed to the decline in biodiversity (Godoy, 2010).

From a biological perspective, biodiversity is essential in maintaining the biosphere and sustaining life on our planet. The decimation of biological diversity, in turn, complicates research and developmental possibilities, including future and present preventative measures (Alters & Alters, 2008). From a personal stand point, not only would my nutrition and that of my children be compromised in a life with limited biodiversity, also, the economy would fail to recover causing further hardship in the lives of my loved ones as well as myself, but as a nature enthusiast, seeing our planet in any worse shape than it is presently would be devastating to say the least (Godoy, 2010). Nutrition will suffer when crops begin to fail because of harsh conditions and a lack of pollenating species, the economy will deteriorate with the crops and when poor nutrition has many people out of work because of a difficulty recovering from illness and injury(Jeffery, Kiernan, Martin, Rachlinski, Suckling & Taylor, 2011). That being said, I certainly would be willing to put economic gains on hold to preserve the environment. Of course, I see that as a temporary but necessary chiseling of the economy.

Preservation to the necessary extent will be a lengthy and involved process that will take man-power on many different levels, and it is, therefore, my belief that these changes will eventually boost the economy (Jeffery, Kiernan, Martin, Rachlinski, Suckling & Taylor, 2011).


References:

Alters. , & Alters, (2008). Biology: Understanding life. (pp. 741-753). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Godoy, J. (2010). Biodiversity: 'pious words won't save endangered species'. United
States, New York: Global Information Network. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/457553476?accountid=8289

Jeffery, J., Kiernan , F., Martin, M., Rachlinski, , Suckling, , & Taylor, (2005). The effectiveness of the endangered species act: a quantitative analysis. Bioscience, 55(4), 360-366.

Vascular dermal tissue vs. human integument

The dermal tissue of a vascular plant and the integument of the human body are similar in function for the following reasons:

1) Both the dermal tissue and the integument are a barrier, protecting the organs contained within the plant/body (Alters & Alters, 2008).

2) Both the dermal tissue and the integument have a means to combat ultraviolet radiation’s possible damage (Alters & Alters, 2008).

a) The dermal tissue of a vascular plant produces “hairs” called trichomes that reflect light (Alters & Alters, 2008).

i) Trichomes cover the dermal tissue much like vellus hair (fine white hairs) covers the human integument (Alters & Alters, 2008).

b) The integument produces melanin, a chemical which absorbs UV rays (Alters & Alters, 2008).

3) Epidermal cells have a waxy layer called the “cuticle” that protects the plant from water loss, the human equivalent would be the sebum (oil) secreted by the sebaceous gland in the hair follicles, although human skin is essentially what keeps the bodily fluids contained (Alters & Alters, 2008).

4) Stomata are the “pores” of vascular plants. They release water in a process called “transpiration (Bishop).”

The dermal tissue of vascular plants and the integument of the human body differ in function in the following ways:

1) Firstly, sebum is mainly for clearing the hair follicle (Rudh, 2011), while the cuticle of dermal tissue serves the aforementioned purpose of retaining water (Bishop).

2) Vellus hair catches bacteria to reduce the chance of infection (Milady's standard cosmetology, 2008), while trichomes, as I mentioned, reflect light and are also, sometimes, a protection from predators.

3) Human pores release waste products through sweat (Milady's standard cosmetology, 2008), stomata only release water .

4) Human integument is a sensory surface where dermal tissue does not as there is no vascular plant-equivalent to a nervous system (Alters & Alters, 2008).

5) Human integument is elastic, therefore, it expands and contracts according to movement, whereas dermal tissue is rigid (Alters & Alters, 2008).

6) Human integument has the ability to regulate temperature and produce vitamin D, which indirectly aids bone development, while vascular plants temperature and food source rely wholly on the sun (Alters & Alters, 2008).

References:
Alters, B., & Alters, S. (2008).Biology: understanding life. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Bishop, T. (n.d.). Virtual lab: plant transpiration. Retrieved from http://mhlearningsolutions.com/apu_biologylabs/planttranspiration/index.html

(2008). Milady's standard cosmetology textbook . New York, NY: Milad'ys Publishing Corporation.

Rudh, A. (2011, January 3).Sebaceous glands- location, functions and pictures. Retrieved from http://www.primehealthchannel.com/sebaceous-glands-location-functions-and-pictures.html

An Educated Stance on Genetic Engineering

The benefits of genetic engineering include a higher yield in crops (“Benefits of gm," 2011), extended life-span of products, a decrease in the use of insecticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers and therefore the release of harmful substances into the atmosphere and water supply (Borello, 2011), reasonable cost of products (Holdsworth, Knight & Mather, 2005) due to more efficient farming, availability to yield in less than favorable conditions as well as yielding higher in limited land, and lastly, an abundance of efficient farming helps combat starvation in places where viable land is sparse which aids the proper development of children by providing proper nutrition (Borello, 2011).
After reviewing a few articles, the only real threat I am finding is possible allergies to the genetically engineered produce ("Benefits of gm," 2011). There were concerns for tipping the eco system discussed in a couple of the articles, however, the scientists interviewed made valid points about genetically modified crops improving the food chain rather than providing a detriment (Borello, 2011). Of course there are moral objections which suggest molecular biology is “playing god (Holdsworth, Knight & Mather, 2005),” but if good can be done, some would say not pursuing genetic engineering further is the real risk.

Personally, I think that genetic engineering is the next logical step in agriculture. The population is higher due to advances in medicine and to support our population efficient farming is not just necessary, it is integral (Borello, 2011).
I find it rather unfortunate that personal beliefs are getting in the way of widespread genetic engineering with all the benefits that are possible. Arguments include taking money from the local farmer, making the industry more about farmers than consumers, prices of genetically engineered seed increasing and pests and herbicides adapting to genetic mutations (Holdsworth, Knight & Mather, 2005).
Between 1996 and 2006, Biotech put thirty-three billion dollars in the pockets of farmers. As of 2009, 90% of the 13.3 million farmers using Biotech products were independent farmers cultivating on a small land-mass (Gustin, 2009).
The original research teams responsible for mainstream genetic engineering, succeeded by Roger Beachy, responsible for GE tomatoes resistant to the tomato mosaic virus, was experimenting with increasing the nutrient value of produce. However, Beachy claims that the companies willing to lend funding to academic research were not willing to pay more for such nutrient rich foods, namely General Mills and Kellogs (Borello, 2011).

It is easy to point the finger at something so controversial and novel when profits fall, but according to Monsanto Co., one of the biggest biotech companies in 2009, prices of farming supplies have increased for everyone whether or not they are cultivating with genetic engineering (Gustin, 2009).
In the business of herbicides and pests mutating to adapt to genetic modification, that is a nature at her finest. The only thing we can do to combat these mutations destroying future crops is continue research and development as with any product (Borello, 2011).

References:

Benefits of gm foods outweigh risks. (2011, June 30). South China Morning Post, p. 10.

Borello, B. (2011). Food fight.Scientific American, 304(4), 80-83. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy2.apus.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=59347926&site=ehost-live

Gustin, G. (2009, February 12). Biotech produces bumper-crop, states use of gm seeds has grown but critics remain wary. St. Louis Post-Dispatch, p. C2.

Holdsworth, D., Knight, J., & Mather, D. (2005). Consumer benefits and acceptance of genetically modified food. Journal of Public Affairs, 10(5), 226-235. DOI: 10.1002/pa.24

New Roommates, New Semester, New Beginnings

Truly, a family of 4 has moved into one of the kids' rooms. They seem to make it work. So far it has been mostly an enjoyable experience, though Taven is clearly acting out more so than Lylie. I have been exhausted. However, they are also a lot of help.

I am taking Biology with Lab this semester and Soil Science next semester. I am working on getting my minor switched to journalism so that I can work for a paper or magazine after I get my bachelor's. Maybe even a kids' magazine. Children are the future after all! ;) I bet I could make energy conservation fun! ^.^

Biology is AMAZING. The labs are so great. I already got a head start on week 2's lab. I wish I could stay part time but it is going to take me forever. Having a single class at a time makes life interesting and less stressful.

An update on the spiritual front:

I've been on several message boards here and there. One of them pissed me off because it seemed like the people running the show were a bit angsty for my taste so I haven't been on much, there. I did just join wiccan wisdom and have been browsing there.

I've actually e-mailed a few women in surrounding cities and even here in Martinsburg in regards to starting a family-friendly community/coven. I've met with two ladies and have to give another a call this week.

I've joined a pagan homeschool forum on yahoo which has been really helpful with my aspirations to keep the kids at home for school. Lots of great ideas and product suggestions. I think I am going to go with Waldorf for curriculum suggestions.

Lastly I've finally started having dreams again, seemingly symbolic ones. I meditate before bed again to be safe. I've even done a formal ritual recently. A 7-day deal. First one since before we moved here (January).