Balderosa, Jenaline D.

ACTCY21S2

DISCUSSION 3.2.1.1 Case Study Discussion – Biodiversity and Evolution

“Why Amphibians are Vanishing?”

How might we and other species be affected if most or all amphibians (Core Case Study) were to
go extinct?

At present, amphibians are said to be going extinct because of abusive human activities such as
use of pesticides and other chemicals that pollutes the bodies of water without even realizing
the impact that extinction of amphibians would bring to us and to other species as well. In the
case study, scientists gave three reasons why we should care for them which are as follows: 1.)
They are good indicators of changes in environmental conditions which could warn us to
alarming environmental changes that could directly affect us, 2.) Amphibians play important
ecological roles in biological communities which means that if they go extinct, it could also result
into a domino effect of extinction to other species relying on them, and 3.) Amphibians are a
genetic storehouse of pharmaceutical products waiting to be discovered and is currently used as
painkillers and antibiotics and in treatments for burns and heart disease. Indeed, if amphibians
would cease to exist, there would be an adverse impact in our lives like there would be a lack of
resource for important medicines used in treating illnesses. Lastly, the lesson in here is that we
should stop the human-centered thinking which focuses on how we could only benefit from our
environment but rather we should start being sensible enough to other species living in this
planet and learn ways on how to suffice our needs without putting other species at stake.
DISCUSSION 4.2.1.1 Case Study Discussion – Species Interactions, Ecological
Successions, and Population Control

“The Southern Se Otter: A Species in Recovery”

1. What difference would it make if the southern sea otter (Core Case Study)
became extinct primarily because of human activities?
Answer:
We will miss out beautiful part of our nature wherein we could witness how
appealing and highly intelligent these southern sea otter as they play in the water
and tourism revenues would decrease. Another, scientists say that in the absence of
southern sea otters, sea urchins and other kelpeating species would probably
destroy the Pacific coast kelp forests and much of the rich biodiversity they support.
By this, it is just saddening and disappointing to think that we, humans are the
reason why these great species are threatened to cease and I am also certain that if
we continue to kill and hunt them, we would surely regret it in the end.

2. What are the three things we could do to help prevent the extinction of these
species? – actions
Answer:
The three things that we could do the help prevent the extinction of these species
are first, know that it is unethical to allow human activities to cause the extinction of
other species. Second, we should learn how to value and appreciate its role in our
ecosystem for it does not only contribute to the balance of our ecosystem but it also
adds beauty through their inherent human-like skills which could be a great aspect
for tourism. Lastly, we should stop hunting them or disrupting its natural habitats for
it will cause greater damage to us and to other species relying on it.

DISCUSSION 5.2.1.1 Case Study Discussion – The Human Population and

Urbanization
Portland, Oregon (Core Case Study) has made significant progress in becoming a more
environmentally sustainable and desirable place to live. If you live in an urban area, what
steps, if any, has your community taken toward becoming more environmentally
sustainable? What further steps could be taken?

Answer:
Living in an urban area, I must say, I could barely see and hear about projects
regarding sustainability mainly because most of the things here in the Metro are
fast pacing and our actions seem to be reckless towards the environment. You
would happen to see a lot of people lacking discipline in disposing their trashes
and would not even bother to think of alternative ways on how to alleviate the
effects of pollution in the environment caused by the emission of hazardous
chemicals of factories and fuel-dependent vehicles. Despite this, our community
is still exerting efforts to become environmentally sustainable which are as
follows:
1.) Used oil recycling – The Marikina city government has encouraged its
residents to give their used cooking oil to the City Environment Management
Office (CEMO) instead of just throwing away. In this way, CEMO will be the
one tasked to properly dispose of used cooking oil to prevent it from
contaminating the water system. Further, it is used together with Styrofoam
wastes to make decorative paving blocks for use in the city’s parks and
playgrounds.
At present, these cooking oils are not anymore simply disposed of but rather
used to make biodiesel which is an alternative to gasoline that comes from
fossil fuels. This discovery could be implemented also to other cities so that
there would be less consumption of fossil fuels.
2.) Proper segregation of waste materials are highly implemented and observed
and for any violation there is a corresponding penalty for it.
3.) Less use of plastic in accordance with the Plastic Ban. This could be further
improved if there would be total or more extensive banning on the use of
plastics but this could only be done if local manufacturers are encouraged to
think of other alternative packaging which is not harmful to the environment.