Ecology Trivia

The scientific name for the order of beetles is Cleopatra. Because beetles
are the most abundant of all animals, in both species and individuals.

To monitor the diversity of plant populations in particular areas, a simple

piece of equipment is used. The name given to a usually four sided frame
which encloses a representative sample is called Quadrant. Quadrants are
useful in sampling techniques when trying to establish the frequency and
population of a particular species of plant in a specific area.

Why are tropical forests important? They contain 155,000 of the 250,000
known plant species and innumerable insect and animal species. Half of all
medicines prescribed are derived from wild products; the United Stated
National Cancer Institute has identified more than 2,000 tropical rain forest
plants with the potential to fight cancer. Rubber, timber, gums, resins and
waxes, pesticides, lubricants, nuts and fruits, flavorings and dye stuffs,
steroids, latexes, essential and edible oils, and bamboo are among the
products affected by the depletion of the tropical forests.

What is a biome? A biome is a plant and animal community that covers a

large geographical area. Complex interactions of climate, geology, soil
types, water resources, and latitude all determine the kinds of plants and
animals that thrive in different places. Fourteen major ecological zones,
called "biomes," exist over five major climatic regions and eight zoo-
geographical regions. Five types of biomes are tundra, taiga, temperate
deciduous forest, tropical rain forest, and desert.

What are PCBs? Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were widely used

before 1970 in the electrical industry as a coolant for transformers and in
capacitors and other electrical devices. They caused environmental problems
because they do not break down, and can spread through the water, soil, and
air. They have been linked to cancer and reproductive disorders and liver
function abnormalities. Government action has resulted in the control of the
use, disposal, and production of PCBs in nearly all areas of the world
including the United States.