Any topic (writer’s choice)
1. Describe the biodiversity in the area you live in. What kind of habitat do you live in, and what plants and organisms are common? What are some of the ecosystem services this biodiversity provides for you and your city or town? 200 words
2. Instructions
Watch the following video segment titled “Humans: Destroyers of Ecosystems”:
New Atlantis (Producer). (2002). The sixth extinction: The human role [Video file]. Retrieved from https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?auth=CAS&url=http://fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=273866&xtid=33721&loid=27830
Click here for a transcript of this video segment. How much time did you spend outside as a child/teenager? Describe your experiences with forestland or other natural environments. Are those areas still in their natural state? Even if you have not spent much time outdoors, have you seen natural areas become fragmented due to land-use change (housing developments, industry, clear-cutting, etc.)? Consider the benefits and services provided by natural lands (clean water, air, biodiversity, etc.). How does the loss of forests and other natural lands affect you personally? Give specific examples.
