Shiva

“Biodiversity means the diversity of life—the richest diversity of life forms on our beautiful planet.” –Pg. 38

Biodiversity is the key that fits our whole planet together. Every species, action, and natural resource allows everything to come together and work as one. This unity is so fragile that with one simple change it will affect everything. It’s like a game of jenga. If one moves the wrong piece everything will tumble down, but the removal of a correct piece will allow stability. However, if one takes a step back and they open their eyes to the natural beauty that surrounds them it is incredible. The various colors of plants, animals, and natural resources are exquisite and nothing like it. For instance, there are various landscapes in the world that seem to be surreal. Examples of these landscapes are the Tunnel of Love in Ukraine, Antelope Canyon in Arizona, or the Japanese maple. All of these are gorgeous and to know that they arose from biodiversity is amazing.

http://www.naturepicoftheday.com/archive/2008-11-05

”Native Americans refer to other species as brothers and sisters.” –Pg. 40

Native Americans have been known for caring about their ecosystem as if it were a part of their family. This quote reminded me of the book A Land Remembered, because of the character Keith Tiger. Keith would take care of his land by not overusing his resources. Therefore, he would not deplete the natural resources around him. If it were a family member it is essentially the same concept. A family member is there when assistance is needed, however if one takes advantage of the member then he or she will no longer assist you. In regards with the species, if one uses it then their numbers will drop and cause possible extinction- in this case the species will no longer be able to assist one due to the possible extinction. Hence, one should not take advantage of the resources.

http://electronicvillage.blogspot.com/2010/09/wordless-wednesday-dinosaur-senior.html

“The extinction of a species means not just the loss of that particular species, but also a threat to the other species that are supported by it through ecological processes.” –Pg. 45

As I read further on from the quote a remembered our class discussion of the ecological pyramid. Our discussion involved the importance of each level and the affects of losing a level. Not only that, but we also discussed how the pyramid today seems like it is upside down due to overpopulation. It’s amazing to think that overpopulation can damage our ecosystem. As a growing population, we have been damaging certain levels of this pyramid which has caused a change in other populations. For instance, as mentioned in the reading microorganisms have been underestimated. As the higher species we have had the ability to kill some of these microorganisms, but in reality are we killing them or making them stronger. See, with one tiny microorganism we can become sick or even die due to its viral abilities. However, some microorganisms have the ability to treat us back to good health. This being said, who is the species that threatens? Neither, would be the answer because they all come in unison to live and support one another. Therefore, we should try to conserve species by letting them do as they have been for the past hundred years. We should allow them to live because as soon as we start to deplete a species we begin to alter the ecological pyramid. The alteration of the ecological pyramid could lead to a depletion of our species. 

http://www.googleplussuomi.com/timelinetest.php?googleid=109783903175191665261&limit=800