I have copied and pasted the original instructions/questions for this discussion and I have also copied and pasted two of my peers original posts that I need to respond to.
Extinction
Read the article from Smithsonian magazine, titled, “One Million Species at Risk of Extinction,” https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/one-million-species-risk-extinction-threatening-human-communities-around-world-un-report-warns-180972114/ about a report on the status of global biodiversity. The article argues that because of both indirect and direct effects of human activities many species are threatened with extinction. This, in turn, threatens the lives and livelihoods of many people. This discussion will help you succeed in this course by explaining why maintaining biodiversity is important, identifying threats and describing ways to minimize these impacts and describing ways to preserve biodiversity.
In the Discussion, answer the following questions:
How might the loss of species affect you? Consider whether it might change what you eat, any recreational activities (e.g. fishing) you enjoy, or your chosen profession.
In your community, do you think some people might be more affected than others? Who? Why?
Are there any efforts in your community or region to prevent species extinction? (You might need to look this up.) Who are the people involved? What are they doing? Have you done anything to preserve biodiversity?
PEER 1:
1.) How might the loss of species affect you? Consider whether it might change what you eat, any recreational activities (e.g. fishing) you enjoy, or your chosen profession
If say catfish and bass were to go extinct I would feel a great loss because I love them. I wouldn’t be able to fish them anymore which would be sad because that is what I do at my grandparent’s house. The people who professionally fish or those who study them for a living are gonna be out of money and have lost their jobs.
2.) In your community, do you think some people might be more affected than others? Who? Why?
In my community, I think quite a few would be affected. A lot of people in my community hunt and fish so a whole species of fish is now gone which was a very big staple in many people’s homes. Fish fries are very common where I live. A lot of people can’t afford to pay for fish so they go fishing for it themselves.
3.) Are there any efforts in your community or region to prevent species extinction? (You might need to look this up.) Who are the people involved? What are they doing? Have you done anything to preserve biodiversity?
I live in rural south Georgia where a lot of hunting and fishing takes place. We have game wardens who regulate how much people hunt so that not all the animals are killed off and can still be able to reproduce. Hunting allows for the overpopulated animals to become more balanced. I know when I go fishing at my grandfather’s if I catch an eight-pounder or more I put them back because those are the ones that reproduce more fish and also we know they will get bigger.
PEER 2:
1. Biodiversity loss can indeed have significant impacts on human communities. Food Sources, water and air quality, natural defenses, and economic impact the loss of biodiversity can also have economic impacts. If food, water, and other resources become scarcer, their prices could increase. This could make it more difficult for people, especially those in low-income communities, to afford these essential commodities. Therefore, it’s crucial to conserve biodiversity to ensure the health and well-being of future generations.
2. People with lower incomes often struggle to afford high-quality, nutritious food. This can lead to food insecurity, which is a state of being without reliable access to enough affordable, nutritious food. In many cases, poor and indigenous communities are in rural or remote areas where access to diverse food sources is limited. They often rely on locally available resources, which can be affected by factors like climate change, land degradation, or overexploitation.
3. Yes, there are efforts in Marietta, Georgia, to prevent species extinction. The Chattahoochee Nature Center, located near Marietta, is one such organization that works towards the conservation of local wildlife. They provide rehabilitation services for injured animals, educational programs about local species, and conservation efforts to protect habitats.
Another organization is the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which has a Wildlife Resources Division. They work on conserving, enhancing, and promoting Georgia’s fish and wildlife resources and outdoor heritage through science-driven research, management, regulation, and education.
I know my actions can also play a crucial role in preventing species extinction. This can include things like reducing waste, planting native species in your garden, and supporting conservation organizations but I don’t do much except for recycling and that’s because it’s included in my waste services.
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