Questions For the Final Exam

Here are the questions for the Final Exam (I have modified some of them slightly from the original form). Enjoy.

1. Discuss some examples throughout history in which humans were unable to predict their effects on the environment. Why is this the case?

2. Discuss some ways in which humans use the environment for non-exploitative satisfaction (i.e. entertainment). Do you think that we can use this as a mechanism for conservation?

3. Relate/Apply lessons learned from the use of "old" technology with the emergence of "new" technology.

4. Explain the effects of an invasive species on an areas ecological, economical, and cultural aspects.

5. Pick one issue (from McG's Lectures, your readings, or student presentations) that you think everyone should know about. What should they know and why do you think that?

Nanotechnology

Presenter- Rebecca Spence

Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course a fully engaged student should be able to

define nanotechnology
-describe the differences between nanoparticles and their bulk counterparts
-discuss potential environmental risks of nanosilver
-understand federal regulation of nanoproducts
-discuss their own opinion of whether nanotechnology is safe or if more research is needed

Powerpoint Presentation

http://www.slideshare.net/secret/xVHkQBQrrMJgxP

Cane Toads

Presenter- Rami Alrayes

Expected Learning Outcomes

Why where cane toads brought to Australia? In order to control the invasive beetle population devastating cane crop

Why where they unsuccessful at doing this? Cane toads could not reach beetles that where high up on the cane and instead ate everything else.

What effect are cane toads having on native populations? Killing them off or substantially lowering their numbers. They are killing native top predator (crocodile) which may cause tropic cascade.

How do cane toads kill/weaken predators that eat them? Through a toxin, bufotoxin.
Why are Cane Toads spreading so quickly in Australia? High birth rate, no true native predators, humans feeding them.

How can they be controlled? Virus-unlikely due to difficulty of creation and possibility of it spreading to other native pops. Lungworm- unlikely because it is invasive and don’t want it spreading to native populations. Pheromones- Best solution so far due to specificity but more study needed.

How have locals responded to cane toads? Mixed feelings. Some love them and even keep them as pets. Others truly despise them and kill as many as possible.

Powerpoint Presentation

http://www.slideshare.net/secret/3QyOJkEHrBT5sy

Further reading

Cane Toad fact sheet from Australian Museum of Natural Culture
http://australianmuseum.net.au/Cane-Toad
Cane Toad Video “An Unnatural History”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mvV8OT-mmE (Part 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6ERCHFlN1A&feature=related (Part 2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8MZtzEoiTY&feature=related (Part 3)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqCQO_cRypg&feature=related (Part 4)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtMtIItimjQ&feature=related (Part 5)

Orcas

Presenter- Geoffrey Allison

Expected Learning Outcomes

At the end of this presentation, a fully engaged student should be able to:

-Provide general characteristics of the Orca
-Distinguish between Orca forms and communities
-Show an understanding of the geographic range of the Southern Residents
-Identify the two major causes threatening the Southern Residents and offer possible solutions

Powerpoint Presentation

http://www.slideshare.net/secret/mRLTLA0OBwSSgI

Transportation Technology

Presenter- Shauna Santellan

Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course a fully engaded student should be able to

1. State the main components that power hybrid, electric, and fuel cell vehicles

2. Name the 3 aspects of “green design” that hybrids are built based off of

3. List the 3 main hybrid technologies used

4. Name 3 of the 5 pollutants that federal and California tailpipe standards limit

5. Be able to discuss some of the challenges of implementing the use of fuel cell vehicles

6. State what component causes most of the problems with electric vehicles

7. Tell how many pounds of carbon dioxide result from burning 1 gallon of fuel

8. Name the most important source of information from this presentation


Answers:
1. Hybrids: Gasoline engine and electric motor
Electric: Hydrogen and fuel cell stacks
Fuel Cell: Rechargeable battery and electric motor
2. Improved aerodynamics
Lower body weight
Smaller, lighter, and less powerful engines
3. Regenerative braking
Electric motor drive/assist
Automatic Start/Shutoff
4. Hydrocarbons
Nitrogen oxides
Carbon monoxides
Particulate matter
Formaldehyde
5. Onboard hydrogen storage
Durability and reliability
Cost
Supplying hydrogen to consumers
Competition
Safety concerns of hydrogen handling
Public acceptance
6. Battery
7. 20 pounds
8. My daddy:)

Powerpoint Presentation

http://www.slideshare.net/secret/2E4HfZm0wjwkoa

Medical Wastes

Presenter- Devin Bailey

Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course a fully engaged student should be able to

- define medical waste (EPA, MWTA, Texas)
- understand regulations on medical waste
- understand penalties both civil and criminal
- explain the purpose of incineration
- know toxins that are produced and what causes them to be produced
- know how these toxins effect our environment
- diagram toxins release from incineration to introduction in food chain
- know how these toxins can effect humans
- briefly discuss what can be done to lessen toxin production

Powerpoint Presentation

http://www.slideshare.net/secret/bBW4lEzzN0muv

Snakehead Fish

Presenter- Brad Dosher

Expected Learning Outcomes

At the end of this presentation, a fully engaged student should be able to

1) Define invasive species

2) Describe the native range of the snakehead fish

3) Explain the importance of the snakehead fish’s ability to breath air and walk

4) Explain the two ways in which the snakehead was introduced to the Unites States

5) Explain the ecological damage that the snakehead could possibly cause

6) Describe the various techniques being used to control or eliminate the snakehead fish populations present in the United States

Powerpoint Presentation

http://www.slideshare.net/secret/Ig9POWGteSxApd