Reflection of Past Assignments
Over the past weeks’ assignments, I have learned including exploration of energy and how it is captured and utilized by Prochlorococcus, analyzed the termite’s patterns in savanna landscape, the keystone species and trophic cascades and the bird flu in Alaskan water. For me, the most interesting topic is the keystone species. The concept of tropic cascade gave me an insight into how predators play a vital role in maintaining ecological factors. The concept of green hypothesis and how the herbivores are controlled on both up and bottom upfronts. It explains the energy transfer and ecological balance between the organisms. Through the video, I can understand how or why the Whales affects the coastal ecosystem.
Additionally, I found the topic of Prochlorococcus as very interesting. The organism plays a significant role in ocean photosynthesis and were it not for them, then human beings would not be living. The rattlesnakes and squirrel case offers an insight into medication and resistance which is crucial for human diseases eradication. Although analyzing the termites’ patterns in savanna landscape showcased the concept of mounds patterns in savanna, I still believe it should not be added in the course. Although is suggests these mounds are responsible for soil fertility and retention of moisture content in savanna, I think it only minor representation. Main focus should be on the process of organic and animal matter decomposition in savanna and how it improves the savanna ecosystem.
Finally, if I was to refine this course, I would like to see more of evolution and a bit of genetics. Evolution aided with gene mutation has played a key role in the development of life capable of surviving in any part of the world. Evolution process is visible in the entire life components (Carroll, Grenier & Weatherbee, 2013).