Assignment

Answer each of the following questions thoroughly. Provide each answer with scientific/technical detail. For certain questions you may need to supplement your answers with statistics or relevant examples. Be sure to acknowledge and cite your sources properly, preferably in APA style. Approximately 200 words per answer.

1 How would you respond to a person who argued that there is nothing to worry about because natural systems, through natural succession, will heal the wounds of human activities and restore the balance of nature?

2. Do you believe the world population, particularly that of the less-developed countries, is growing too fast? Do you view this as a major threat to the environment, to world resources? Explain and support your answers. What do you think should be done to protect the world's resources?

3. Why is it important to protect the tropical rainforests? Provide three reasons to support your answer.

4. What major ecological and economic benefits are provided by marine ecosystems? How do human activities threaten aquatic systems? What are the three major life zones in an ocean? Be specific in your answer, distinguishing between coastal zone and open sea and estuary and coastal wetland.

5.Thomas Malthus argued that excess population growth is the ultimate cause of many of our social and environmental problems. Do you agree?