Conservation of a Species
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Randal Dykstra
May 29, 2011
BIO 100
Michael Rothrock Jr.
Turtles in Trouble
Researchers have designated 2011 as the Year of the Turtle. The reason for this designation is that, according to researchers and supporters, more than half of the species of turtles are in trouble. In fact many of these species are nearing extinction. Of the many reasons listed for the demise of these species, nearly all of them are of human origin.
One of the problems, according to ScienceDaily (February 15, 2011), is that, “The sex of some species of turtles is determined by the temperature of the nest: warm nests produce females, cooler nests, males.” Scientists have speculated that due to global warming, more females are being produced than males. This imbalance leads to fewer turtles in the next generation, and so on. While global warming cannot be fully blamed on humanity, much of it is believed to be caused by burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, causing more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This problem affects all of the planet, and especially those turtles in this way.
Other problems caused by humans are loss of habitat and exploitation. Many people around the world consume turtles as a delicacy, and others as a staple food. Turtles, along with other species have lost their habitats to colonization by humanity, building their own habitats over the existing habitats of animals. Sprawling cities have long been taking over the areas once occupied solely by animals. These communities also have high energy demands that lead to more production of greenhouse gasses, which exacerbates global warming.
These are the main problems destroying many, if not all of the species of turtles. Yet, these problems are all within the scope of humans to correct. There is not a problem that mankind has created that he is not able to reverse.
Recently, there has been a lot of progress in reversing the effects of global warming, but there remains...
May 29, 2011
BIO 100
Michael Rothrock Jr.
Turtles in Trouble
Researchers have designated 2011 as the Year of the Turtle. The reason for this designation is that, according to researchers and supporters, more than half of the species of turtles are in trouble. In fact many of these species are nearing extinction. Of the many reasons listed for the demise of these species, nearly all of them are of human origin.
One of the problems, according to ScienceDaily (February 15, 2011), is that, “The sex of some species of turtles is determined by the temperature of the nest: warm nests produce females, cooler nests, males.” Scientists have speculated that due to global warming, more females are being produced than males. This imbalance leads to fewer turtles in the next generation, and so on. While global warming cannot be fully blamed on humanity, much of it is believed to be caused by burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, causing more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This problem affects all of the planet, and especially those turtles in this way.
Other problems caused by humans are loss of habitat and exploitation. Many people around the world consume turtles as a delicacy, and others as a staple food. Turtles, along with other species have lost their habitats to colonization by humanity, building their own habitats over the existing habitats of animals. Sprawling cities have long been taking over the areas once occupied solely by animals. These communities also have high energy demands that lead to more production of greenhouse gasses, which exacerbates global warming.
These are the main problems destroying many, if not all of the species of turtles. Yet, these problems are all within the scope of humans to correct. There is not a problem that mankind has created that he is not able to reverse.
Recently, there has been a lot of progress in reversing the effects of global warming, but there remains...