Mar 17 2012: It has been argued throughout this thread whether or not invasive species are doing more harm then good? There are many great supporting claims for each side. Invasive species can be seen as contributing to the overall biro diversity of that community. They can also be seen in a negative light if they disrupt the natural 'native' life. Perhaps they are doing more harm then good...What would be the best way to eradicate them (if necessary at all..)?
The options could include: genetically modified virus that would wipe out the population, a naturally occurring virus that would wipe them out, species specific predator, isolate the community so no dispersal or migration could happen, or propaganda.
I was thinking that the first step in the efforts to get rid of any invasive species would be to give information to the local people of that area to give an awareness. I have heard that in Napa County, CA the glassy winged sharp shooter is decimating many vineyards. Many fliers and informational ads were circulating around the community advertising ways for farmers to control the pest. The efforts eventually payed off and there has been quite a reduction of the shooter. Educating people on the way invasive species travel, or hitch a ride, could force traveling regulations to be more strict for carrier ships. After educating the general public I think that if the plot of land where the invasive species was taking over, with negative consequences, should be isolated and controlled. If this area is too big then I would say to introduce a natural virus that would only harm specifically the invasive population. It is tough because each solution seems to come with its own repercussions. Is there one answer to this?
Mar 16 2012: Lucy I think these are great questions! On some level I do agree with Sharon, all species are invasive at one point or another. I mean this is really a fundamental idea behind immigration, emigration, and migrations. A species will move around until they find an environment that is suitable and where they can be successful. However, they move around on their own time by their own means in a natural way. With the industrial revolution and other large developments in the world wide trade industry species are more easily moved from their original habitats to entirely different ones. By these means they could conceivably be moved whole new sides of the plant, and are forced to adjust and thus compete with the native species of that new environment. Is this avoidable at all? Is there any way to ensure that no species will hitch a ride on products that are sent around the world and land in a non native habitat?
Mar 15 2012: I agree with a lot of the things you bring up Lia. The bees are a fundamental aspect to our food chain and in the species interactions of many communities. I think that we could be a direct cause with all the destructive and harmful things we put into the environment. If if is not directly related to the toxic things we are expelling into the atmosphere every day then there is surely a link to the climate change (which we are directly causing) and the bees decline. Perhaps the bees are facing similar to effects as some species of butterflies. Monarch butterflies migrate every year at a specific time, but since the climate has changed so much recently their migration patters have been throw off. Perhaps those safe effects are happing to the bees, but killing them instead of just changing their biological functions?
Mar 14 2012: I agree that when a species does go to extinction the open niche that is left behind will quickly be filled. In some cases the species that fills the gap will be able to preform very similarly as the extinct species and keep the social structure running smoothly. However if there is not a species that can fill the niche with similar characteristics then this will have ripple effects through the whole community. Community structure is highly dependent of all of the organisms within it and their interactions. If one link to the whole structure is weakened the whole structure will shift to accommodate the difference. The entire bee community is a fundamental aspect to the basis of many higher beings lifestyles. As Molly opened the conversations with these bee populations are responsible for one of every three bites of food we take. This is huge. Perhaps our focus on climate change should be more specific to the effects it has on the foundation organisms, such as the bees.
Mar 8 2012: There was some brief talk earlier in this conversation about how memes are a way to spark social connections. I agree, memes could be a way that the most different of people can connect. Almost like a common ground between people that could come from very different cultures or backgrounds. If memes could connect drastically different people to a common place then perhaps memes could be used in some sort of conflict resolving way. Conflicts are best resolved when all parties of the issue can come to a common conclusion. I am not saying that the meme should be the solution or an answer to a problem, but it can assist in breaking that icy feel of an issue. Finding common ground, common interests, common disinterests, or common ideas is the best way for people the most unsuspecting situations to connect.
Mar 8 2012: I do agree that it is in the best interest of any government to protect it's citizens any way possible, but if this means imposed in a forcible manner it will not be well received nor is it constitutional. It is a relatively new disease to have gained huge momentum in the last decade, and the statistics surrounding this infectious disease and its mode of transmission are frightening. 93% or even more of all cervical cancers are tied to HPV infection. By the time girls’ reach the age of 15 nearly 10% of American girls are infected with HPV, by 17 the percent doubles to 20%. About 4,000 women were estimated to have died during 2007 from cervical cancer that may have been caused by HPV. About 45% of college aged women are said to have HPV. After reading these, and letting them sink in, how are you feeling? shocked? nervous? A whirl of emotion, im sure. Now if we use this tactic to educate young women then they can either make the decision to protect themselves or not. It is ultimately up to the individual.
Mar 7 2012: Memes are passed on from person to person directly relating to the way they strike a person on an individual level. If we see or hear a meme that we think has some level of intrinsic value we will surely pass it on. Whether those memes are words images or ideas, if they merit some feeling, good or bad, we are likely to share those memes and feeling with another person. All the way passing the meme on to that person.
Now, if this aspect of a meme can be harnessed to double as an educational tool then ideas can be spread in a positive manner. Ideas such as sustainability can be presented in a good light or bad, but have the same overall impact on that person. For instance if the negative impacts of global warming were presented to a group of young adults it could reinforce the importance of sustainability. So by presenting a meme with a negative meaning/feeling we could promote positive change in the world of ecological advancements.
Mar 7 2012: On a personal level, I believe all women should get the HPV vaccination. However I do not think a government mandated order for this is necessary, women should do it if they feel comfortable or inclined. The way I see it is that if there is a possible solution/prevention method why wouldn't anyone want it? No matter how little data there is about the future of the disease there is plenty of supporting facts about the benefits this vaccine can have for women in the present. The statistics and trials of long term effects of the vaccine will need time, that is just an inevitable part of any new pharmaceutical product on the market. Why not get what is available, protection that is experimentally proven to work in the short term, and contribute to the long term analysis of the product for your daughters generations that her's after that. While I do feel strongly about women taking the initiative to protect themselves, I do not think it is reasonable to legislate medical choices.
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A comment on Conversation: Are you concerned about the spread of invasive species?
The options could include: genetically modified virus that would wipe out the population, a naturally occurring virus that would wipe them out, species specific predator, isolate the community so no dispersal or migration could happen, or propaganda.
I was thinking that the first step in the efforts to get rid of any invasive species would be to give information to the local people of that area to give an awareness. I have heard that in Napa County, CA the glassy winged sharp shooter is decimating many vineyards. Many fliers and informational ads were circulating around the community advertising ways for farmers to control the pest. The efforts eventually payed off and there has been quite a reduction of the shooter. Educating people on the way invasive species travel, or hitch a ride, could force traveling regulations to be more strict for carrier ships. After educating the general public I think that if the plot of land where the invasive species was taking over, with negative consequences, should be isolated and controlled. If this area is too big then I would say to introduce a natural virus that would only harm specifically the invasive population. It is tough because each solution seems to come with its own repercussions. Is there one answer to this?
A reply on Conversation: Are you concerned about the spread of invasive species?
A reply on Conversation: Where would you place Colony Collapse Disorder in relation to the many other problems facing our society?
A reply on Conversation: Where would you place Colony Collapse Disorder in relation to the many other problems facing our society?
A comment on Conversation: Are memes important for our survival? How can we draw on memetic theory to inspire ideas of sustainability that go viral?
A reply on Conversation: When it comes to vaccine intervention for disease control, should personal liberty go before the benefit to society?
A reply on Conversation: Are memes important for our survival? How can we draw on memetic theory to inspire ideas of sustainability that go viral?
Now, if this aspect of a meme can be harnessed to double as an educational tool then ideas can be spread in a positive manner. Ideas such as sustainability can be presented in a good light or bad, but have the same overall impact on that person. For instance if the negative impacts of global warming were presented to a group of young adults it could reinforce the importance of sustainability. So by presenting a meme with a negative meaning/feeling we could promote positive change in the world of ecological advancements.
A comment on Conversation: When it comes to vaccine intervention for disease control, should personal liberty go before the benefit to society?