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Web LinksUNIT 30AUNIT 30BUNIT 30C
UNIT 30D
Page 61 WEB Activity: Elk Management in Banff National Park Human activities such as agriculture and over-hunting often disrupt the natural balance of wildlife populations. This can lead to a loss or reduction in the home range of a particular species and an associated decline in its population size. Management programs may lead to a recovery of the species. An interesting case of the influence of humans on wildlife populations is the history of the elk that live in Banff National Park , Alberta . In this activity, you will consider ecological and human/elk issues around elk in the park. You will also assess preliminary results of the Banff National Park Elk Management Strategy on elk population biology. This page, from Parks Canada, summarizes the current approach to elk management in this park, and has links to information on wildlife management in other parks. Page 67 Section 26.1 Questions 8. What invasive species are of the greatest concern in your region of the province? Visit the Web site of the Alberta Invasive Plants Council and use the interactive map to find out. Then research the characteristics of the species and report your findings to the class. (a) What problems are being caused by the particular species? (b) How does the species spread? (c) What are the suggested control methods? Alberta Invasive Plants Council The site summarizes invasive plants in Alberta by municipal area. 9. Insects are sometimes used as biological controls, replacing chemical herbicides to control agricultural weeds. For example, in an area near Edmonton , Alberta , the black dot spurge beetle ( Aphthona nigriscutis ) was released in an attempt to control the leafy spurge, an aggressive weed species. The results were dramatic: a 99 % reduction in spurge density and a 30-fold increase in grass biomass after four years. Research some costs and benefits of using insects as biological controls. Summarize your research on the societal, economic, ecological, and environmental impacts in a PMI chart. Biological Control in Prairie Ecosystems This page, from the Alberta Government, outlines some approaches to weed control by insects. Page 73 Investigation 26.1: Plant Opposition: Intra- and Interspecific Competition (h) Most agricultural operations attempt to minimize the influence of competition. Plants that compete with crops are called "weeds" and are often destroyed using herbicide applications or by mechanical removal and cultivation. Use the library, internet, and other resources to answer the following. (i) What is the most widely used herbicide in Alberta ? Approximately how many tonnes are applied each year? (ii) List four important weed species in Alberta crops. (iii) List the most important advantages and disadvantages of using herbicides to reduce competition with weeds. This Fact Sheet from the Alberta Ministry of the Environment, provides data on the use of all classes of pesticides in Alberta for 2001. This page, from the Alberta Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development, has links to current information on weeds and herbicides. (i) The forestry industry also manages inter- and intraspecific competition by using a variety of silviculture practices. Conduct internet research to determine how forestry companies reduce competition from non-commercial plant species and how they manage the competition between individuals of valuable species. The information on the page is provided by members of the Alberta Forest Products Association. (j) Allelopathy, the equivalent of underground chemical warfare, is a strategy employed by many plant species to reduce competition. Conduct an internet search to find out more about allelopathy and report your findings back to the class. This page provides a simple introduction to allelopathy Investigation 26.2: Microbial Succession (h) Making a Winogradsky column will demonstrate the relationships between chemical gradients and the distribution and growth of bacteria. The Winogradsky column is named after microbiologist Sergei Winogradsky, who lived in Russia and France during the early part of the twentieth century. Winogradsky was among the first biologists to make detailed investigations of the interactions that occur within microbial communities. Follow the instructions on the Nelson Web site to perform this investigation. NOTE: Do NOT set up a Winogradsky column in the classroom. The columns may support the growth of anaerobic bacteria, which can cause serious safety concerns and are not permitted in Alberta schools. Winogradsky Column Information This site explains what Winogradsky columns are and what they can be used for. Windogradsky Column Experiment This site shows Winogradsky columns made for a study. Page 77 Chapter 26 Review 17. In 1883, a massive volcanic eruption obliterated half of the island of Krakatau and covered the remainder in ash and pumice, 30 m thick. All previous life was wiped out. Conduct research to learn about the recolonization of this island by plants and animals. (a) How long did it take for plants and animals to become re-established on the island? (b) Was the process of succession rapid or slow? (c) Do you think the presence of a thick ash layer enhances or inhibits the rate of primary succession? Explain. Anak Krakatau: Birth of an Island This is an online feature from PBS that outlines events after the volcanic eruption on Krakatau . From The Why Files, this page discusses ecological changes that take place after volcanic eruptions, including those on Krakatau . 18. Over time, small shallow ponds and bogs can become filled in with sediment and organic matter, eventually becoming forested land. Research the formation of a peat bog and the process of succession in it. (a) Describe the mechanisms by which sphagnum moss is able to cover the bog. (b) Describe the process by which peat deposits accumulate over time. (c) Draw or obtain an image of cross-sectional view of peat bog formation/succession. This page provides information on the formation and conservation of peat bogs. This page provides general information on bog formation, and specific information on biodiversity in Belize . Page 79 Performance Task: Changes in Human Population Size 1. Consider the following factors: . agriculture: domestication of animals and plants . medicine: prevention and treatment of disease and injury . science and technological change: modifying the environment to support human needs In a group, conduct research to find out more about each of these factors and how they affect human population growth. Consider how these factors may have contributed to the trends shown on these pages. A Brief History of Human Population Growth Read the background information on these pages, then conduct additional research using other resources.
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