Unit IV

Ethical Paper Unit IV

Whose Problem is It?

What is the problem we’re trying to solve exactly? The claim had been made that resources are scarce. Many believe there are too many people on the planet and that population growth isn’t sustainable. The ‘West’ in particular would like to lay the responsibility at the feet of third world and developing nations that have too many babies (no wonder they’re starving/poor/destitute). Ironically, those nations use a fraction of the resources the western world consumes and our neutral or negative population growths have only coincided with great resource usage. What is the answer then, to the ‘problem’?

There is no denying that population growth and reproduction shouldn’t continue thoughtlessly. However, expecting or forcing non-western nations to put controls in place smacks of racism, elitism, and totalitarianism. Imagine our government trying to legislate how many babies we could have in this country! What an uproar that would cause. How dare we then expect other countries to do just that. There seems to be some amount of admiration of China’s accomplishment over the last few decades of bringing down fertility rates. And yet China is regularly criticized for not giving their people more freedom of expression and self-determination. We can’t have it both ways. I, for one, am not convinced that population control is the answer.

Resource use in the western world seems to be a much larger problem and one that is barely being addressed. If one of our children uses 30 times more resources than an Indian child and 300 times more than an Ethiopian child, what are we really talking about (or not talking about, as it were)? Clearly, we need to focus on treading more gently on the earth and reducing our non-renewable resource consumption. That’s not to say that we shouldn’t also pay attention to population growth, but that is somewhat of a red herring.

The correlation between a developing nation’s increasing resource use and decreasing reproduction rate is interesting. Other than an interesting factoid though, I’m not sure what conclusion can or should be drawn. To suggest that we not allow other nations to develop to reduce the imminent increase in consumption of resources would be disingenuous, as would saying that we shouldn’t worry about fertility rates at all. It’s all of a piece and can’t be separated.

To me it all comes down to education and justice. As more and more women in particular, but all peoples in general, become educated and self-sufficient, they can make their own decisions about how to be good stewards of the earth. Until people can get out of survival mode, there is no way we can expect them to make objective decisions about their actions and the subsequent reactions they cause. Even a large percentage of the ‘educated’ people in the western world don’t make wise decisions about their impact on the earth. But it’s complacency, not lack of opportunity or knowledge. Our society needs to put more emphasis on conserving and conscious choices when we choose to consume. And the sooner we help educate and elevate developing economies, the sooner they can contribute to the solutions we’ll need to keep life on plant earth sustainable for all of us.

If resources are indeed scarce on this planet, then the blame should be laid squarely at the feet of the western world. Clearly our rate of consumption can’t be sustained and we need to do something about it. There may be scarce non-renewable resources, but I believe there are solutions out there to most of the problems we are facing or will face at some time in the near future. It’s our indifference, not the developing world’s fertility rates, that needs to be fixed. Perhaps, if there were no developing world and we were all consuming resources at the rate of a 30,000 kg primate, we’d see the issue more clearly. We wouldn’t have anyone but ourselves to blame for the path that we’re on.

Demographics

1. What was your high fertility rate country and what was its fertility rate?

India with 3.75 children.

2. What was your low fertility rate country and what was its fertility rate?

Sweden with 1.9 children.

3. The initial demographic "shape" of your high fertility rate country should have

been a pyramid, with high population in young age groups. Explain why high fertility rate results in a high percentage of young people in the population. How does this affect future population growth?

The reason for a pyramid shape in high growth rate countries is because there are many more births as compared with the death rate. As the younger population becomes of child bearing age the rate grows even faster. After WW II there was a ‘baby boom’ and when those boomers became of age there was another surge in the population growth here in the US. 4. Your low fertility rate country might have had a more oval-shaped curve with high population in middle age groups. This is especially exaggerated if the fertility rate is below 2.00. Explain why low fertility rate leads to lots of middle-aged people. As the population rate slows the people of child bearing age do not have enough children to replace the parents of those who are having children. It takes two to have a child but if they do not have two children the will eventually be a negative population growth. 5. Write ten adjectives or descriptive phrases for what you might expect life, people's attitudes, conditions on the streets, etc. will be like in each of those situations. Imagine a situation with lots of middle-aged and older people in the population and write ten quick "brain-storm" descriptors for you think it would be like (Prescott, Arizona?). Then do the same for a situation with lots of children in the population.

For an older population; Remember the good ‘ol days, quiet neighborhoods, lower crime, watching the grass grow, the sidewalks roll up at 8, stores open later, two hour lunches, early bird specials, remember when, checking the obits.

For a younger crowd; needed it yesterday, party houses, fast cars, LOUD cars/trucks, lower the drinking age, fast food, up all hours, sleep most of the day, wired, hooking up.

Biodiversity Index

1. Pyrus serotina. Asian pear. Newly planted tree in our back yard. Symbiotic: mutually

beneficial, both species benefit. Since this is a fruit bearing tree as well as ornamental, I believe this tree will continue in a symbiotic relationship with humans.

2. Pyrus calleryana 'Holmford' Flowering Pear New Bradford Pear. Newly planted tree in our

back yard. Symbiotic: mutually beneficial, both species benefit. Since this is an ornamental tree, I believe this tree will continue in a symbiotic relationship with humans.

3. Prunus cerasifera 'Krauter Vesuvius' Flowering Plum, Purple-Leaf Plum. Newly planted tree

in our back yard. Symbiotic: mutually beneficial, both species benefit. Since this is an ornamental tree, I believe this tree will continue in a symbiotic relationship with humans.

4. Glycine max. Soy milk. Food. Mutualism: both species benefit, like symbiosis, but it may

appear one species has the advantage, but evolutionarily, over the long-term, both benefit. As with most food sources, I believe we will continue to keep a close relationship of ‘domestication’.

5. Oryza sativa var. indica Basmati rice. Food. Mutualism: both species benefit, like symbiosis,

but it may appear one species has the advantage, but evolutionarily, over the long-term, both benefit. As with most food sources, I believe we will continue to keep a close relationship of ‘domestication’.

6. Zea mays. Polenta. Food. Mutualism: both species benefit, like symbiosis, but it may

appear one species has the advantage, but evolutionarily, over the long-term, both benefit. As with most food sources, I believe we will continue to keep a close relationship of ‘domestication’.

7. Honey. (Could not find scientific name). Food. Mutualism: both species benefit, like

symbiosis, but it may appear one species has the advantage, but evolutionarily, over the long-term, both benefit. As with most food sources, I believe we will continue to keep a close relationship of ‘domestication’. Especially since the bees that produce the honey are probably the single most important insect for agriculture.

8. Chamaecyparis thyoides. White cedar. Playground set for Emma. Predation: Usually

considered parasitic, where the predator is the parasite, but can also be seen as mutualistic. If we continue to harvest new growth forests, replant, and limit old growth harvesting then, I believe the relationship will be more mutualistic.

9. Sceloporus tristichus. Plateau lizard. New resident since retaining walls went in. Symbiotic:

mutually beneficial, both species benefit. By our continued building there will be plenty of addition ‘habitats for the lizards to live.

10. Canis familiaris. “Jack “our dog. Our 14 yr old companion. Symbiotic: mutually beneficial,

both species benefit. Protection and companionship to humans oldest domesticated animal will not change for the future.

11. Homo sapien Emma Antonea Jarnagin My almost 3 year old daughter. Symbiotic: mutually

beneficial, both species benefit. Emma is my (our) legacy.

12. Homo sapien Antonea Vanessa Jarnagin My wife of 6 years. Symbiotic: mutually beneficial,

both species benefit. My companion.

13. Poa pratensis. Kentucky blue grass. Our new backyard lawn. Symbiotic: mutually

beneficial, both species benefit.

14. Dermatophagoides farinae. American dust mites. Every ones bed fellows. Commensal:

One species benefits, the other is unharmed. I belive the relationship will remain unchanged unless more humans become allergic. Then I believe will take steps to eliminate ‘the pest’.

15. Camellia sinensis and Citrus aurantium. Earl Grey tea has bergamot orange rind and oil in it.

This is my drink of choice. Mutualism: both species benefit, like symbiosis, but it may

appear one species has the advantage, but evolutionarily, over the long-term, both

benefit. As with most food sources, I believe we will continue to keep a close relationship of ‘domestication’.

16. G. gallus. Chicken. Food. Mutualism: both species benefit, like symbiosis, but it may

appear one species has the advantage, but evolutionarily, over the long-term, both

benefit. As with most food sources, I believe we will continue to keep a close relationship of ‘domestication’.

17. Meleagris gallopavo. Turkey. Food. Mutualism: both species benefit, like symbiosis, but

it may appear one species has the advantage, but evolutionarily, over the long-term, both

benefit. As with most food sources, I believe we will continue to keep a close relationship of ‘domestication’.

18. Sus. Pork. Food. Mutualism: both species benefit, like symbiosis, but it may appear one

species has the advantage, but evolutionarily, over the long-term, both benefit. As with most food sources, I believe we will continue to keep a close relationship of ‘domestication’.

19. Cucumis melo reticulates. Cantaloupe. Food. Mutualism: both species benefit, like

symbiosis, but it may appear one species has the advantage, but evolutionarily, over the long-term, both benefit. As with most food sources, I believe we will continue to keep a close relationship of ‘domestication’.

20. Pinus brachyptera. Ponderosa Pine tree. Tree in our front yard that the bark beetles missed.

Symbiotic: mutually beneficial, both species benefit. This tree has been here for a long time and we can make sure it continues to get water even though we are in a drought. We will provide water and it will provide beauty and shade.

Chapter 16

Human Life Cycle

· Mitosis

· Meiosis

Male Reproductive System

• Testes
• Epididymides
• Vasa Deferentia
• Seminal Vesicles
• Prostate Gland
• Urethra
• Bulbourethral Glands
• Penis

Ø Hormonal Regulation in Males

• Hypothalamus Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH)
• Pituitary Gland

• (GnRH)
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

• Testosterone

Female Reproductive System

• Ovaries
• Oviducts
• Uterus
• Cervix
• Vagina

Female Hormone Levels

· Ovarian Cycle: non-pregnant

o Follicular Phase

o Ovulation

o Luteal Phase

· Uterine Cycle: non-pregnant

o Menstruation

o Proliferative Phase

o Secretory Phase

· Fertilization & Pregnancy

o Corpus Luteum

o Progesterone

o Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

o Estrogen

Control of Reproduction

· Birth Control Methods

o Birth Control Pill

o Diaphragm

o Condom (male/female)

o Intrauterine Device

o Implant

o Hormone Patch

o Abstinence

o Vasectomy / Tubal Ligation

· Assisted Reproductive Technologies

o Artificial Insemination by Donor (AID)

o In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

o Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)

o Surrogate mothers

o Intracytd Plasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

· STDs by viruses

o AIDS/HIV

o Genital Warts

o Genital Herpes

o Hepatitis

· STDs by Bacteria

o Chlamydia

o Gonorrhea

o Syphilis

· Two other infections

o Bacterial Vaginosis

o Trichomoniasis

Chapter 17

Fertilization

· Zygote (Sperm & Egg)

· Pre-Embryonic & Embryonic Development

o Cleavage

o Growth

o Morphogenesis

o Differentiation

· Extra-Embryonic Membranes

o Chorion

o Allantois

o Yolk Sac

o Amnion

Fetal Development

· Gender can be distinguished

· Skeleton ossifies

· Heartbeat heard

· Mature placenta

· Growth & weight gain

Pregnancy & Birth

· Pregnancy

o Energy level fluctuates

o Uterus relaxes

o Pulmonary values increase

o Other effects

· Birth

o Braxton-hicks contractions

o Parturition

o Stage 1 – Effacement & Dilation

o Stage 2 – Birth

o Stage 3 – Placenta delivered

Development after Birth

· Infancy

· Childhood

· Adolescence

· Adulthood

Hypothesis of Aging

· Genetic

· Declination

· Extrinsic factors

Effect of Age

· Skin

· Processing & transportation

· Integration & coordination

Reproductive system/ hormones

Chapter 22

Origin of Life

- Chemical Evolution?

· Small Organic Molecules

· Macromolecules

o RNA-first hypothesis

o Protein-first hypothesis

· Protocell - heterotroph

· The True Cell

Biological Evolution

· Common descent

· Adaptation

Common Descent – Darwin

· Fossil evidence

· Biogeographical evidence

· Anatomical evidence

· Biochemical evidence

Natural Selection

Classification of Humans

· DNA Data & Human Evolution

o Humans are Primates

§ Mobile forelimbs & hindlimbs

§ Binocular vision

§ Large, complex brain

§ Reduced reproductive rate

Evolution of Hominids

· First hominids

o Bipedal posture

o Face shape

o Brain size

· Evolution of Australopithecines

o Gracile

o Robust

o Mosaic evolution

Evolution of Humans

· Homo

o Brain size > or = to 600cm

o Jaw and teeth resemble humans’

o Used tools

· Homo habilus

· Homo erectus

o Larger brain

o First to use fire and tools

o First in Africa - migrated to Asia & Europe

Chapter 23

The Nature of Ecosystems

-Biosphere = one giant Ecosystem

• Ecosystems
• Terrestrial
• Forest, grasslands, deserts
• Aquatic
• Fresh water, salt water

Biotic Components of an Ecosystem

• Autotrophs – producers

• Heterotrophs – consumers

• Herbivores
• Carnivores
• Omnivores
• Detritus feeders

Energy Flow and Chemical Cycling

· Energy flows through and out

· Chemicals cycle around

Energy Flow

· Food webs

o Grazing food web

o Detrital food web

· Trophic Levels

o Food chains

· Ecological Pyramids

Global Biogeochemical Cycles

· Gaseous

· Sedimentary

· Reservoirs

· Exchange Pools

· Biotic communities

The Water Cycle

· Evaporation

· Precipitation

· Transpiration

· Standing waters

· Runoff

· Aquifers

The Carbon Cycle

· Photosynthesis

· Respiration

· Diffusion

· Equilibrium

· Reservoirs

· Fossil fuels

· Excess carbon dioxide

The Nitrogen Cycle

· Nitrogen fixation

· Nitrification

· Conversion

· Assimilation

· Denitrification

· Human disruption

The Phosphorus Cycle

· Geological upheaval

· Weathering

· Biotic processes

· Runoff