Overview
In the upcoming modules, we will look at the topics of disease and biotechnology. Both topics connect to biodiversity in a variety of ways. An interesting connection is that biotechnology now gives us the option to bring back an extinct species (sort of, no dinosaurs) or to intentionally drive a species to extinction. This second option seems ridiculous, but maybe there’s a reason. This discussion will address the issue.
Outcome
Discuss biodiversity on Earth today, how biodiversity can be conserved, and how it is lost (HIPPO).
Instructions
As you begin working on this discussion, look up a couple of statistics and try to find answers to the questions below:
How many people die each year, globally, from malaria?
What percentage of these deaths are children?
Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease. Why do so many people still die of it?
Part I: DDT
One way that we have tried to fight malaria is by using DDT, an insecticide banned in the United States, to kill the mosquitos that carry the disease in developing countries. Read the following and do some research of your own on this topic.
Ban on DDT Caused Deaths
Should DDT be Used to Combat Malaria
World Health Organization Position on DDT (Download and read the PDF report. You do not need to read the whole thing, but read the introduction and other interesting bits.)
Pay attention to who produced each of your sources and consider their inherent biases. Then write a paragraph or 2 answering the question, is the use of DDT to fight malaria a good idea? Be sure to defend your opinion with information from reliable sources. Also, explain why it hasn’t been used for this in most developing countries.
Part II: Eradicating Mosquitos
Watch this TED Talk about eliminating a species of mosquitos altogether. This is another option for fighting malaria and also the zika virus. As you watch, think about our discussion of biodiversity, but also think about what a devastating disease malaria actually is. Again, write a paragraph or 2 discussing whether this is a good idea. Use facts from this source or others to back up your opinion.
Part III: Conclusion
Write a paragraph giving your opinion on what should be done about malaria. Why does malaria continue to kill so many people and how should we go about stopping it? As always, back up your ideas with evidence and include your sources.
Part IV: Respond
Do not forget to respond meaningfully to at least 2 of your classmates.
