Term+3+Issues+in+Teaching+and+Learning+Science

I have learnt about Ecology in Term 3. This topic may seem very familiar and simple, but in actual fact, it is quite complicated. In the topic of Ecology, I learnt about both abiotic and biotc factors, and environment conservation. Food webs can be rather complicated, and the relationships each organism has with another such as primary consumer, secondary consumer, tertiary and food producers. Through learning about Ecology, I get to be exposes to the various relationships and interactions organisms have with the surroundings and among themsleves, and how certain life forms have evolved to adapt to their environment over long periods of time with reference to their interaction with their surroundings. At the same time, better understand what role certain species play in their ecosystem and how they contribute to the maintaining of the equilibrium of their ecosystem. I have also learnt that human activites can cause negative impacts on other organisms. For example, deforestation will cause a loss of habitat to the pandas, and as a result of rapid population growth, which is the current problem China and many countries faces today. Overfishing will also cause a great drop in the fish population, one example would be the sharks hunted for their fins. Hence, we, as humans, even though we do not interact directly with the other organisms, we still play a significant role in the ecosystem, and it is our duty to take good care of it, and not disrupt the natural balance. Hence, I feel that more nature reserves, like Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, should be built, to protect wildlife.If we do not do so, the impact can be long lasting and dreadful. For example, if we continue deforestation, the population of pandas will decrease constantly, and may become extinct. If we do not reduce fishing, the population of fishes will decrease greatly due to excessive predation, and their reproduction rate cannot replace their death rate. This will result in the same situation as the Dodo bird, which has been extinct due to excessive predation. It will affect humans as scientists will lose the chance to study evolution. Populations of predators of the extinct organisms will also start decreasing due to absence of food, while population of prey of the extinct organism will increase. Thus, this will affect the stability of the entire ecosystem, and there will be a chain effect. As the human population continues to grow, the natural environment is put under ever-increasing pressure. Losses of biological diversity and major environmental changes are occurring as a direct result of human exploitation of resources. Growing public concern over issues such as degradation and destruction of coral reefs and tropical rain forests, species extinctions and the impacts of global climate change make ecology and conservation one of the most relevant areas of science today. The need to find solutions to these problems means that there is a growing demand for professional ecologists and conservation biologists, and that they have a key role to play in protecting the environment for future generations.
 * Learning Points**

To be successful, conservation action should be based on a good understanding of the ecological processes and relationships that are being impacted by environmental change. What makes some species and habitats more vulnerable than others? How can degraded ecosystems be improved? What are the implications of increased ecotourism for tropical ecosystems? The study of ecology and conservation has a key role to play in answering these and many other questions posed by practical conservation issues around the world.



Some ways of conserving wildlife: The Singapore Zoo is home to more than 2000 animals from over 240 species. This includes 40 endangered species. The Singapore Zoo is highly successful in captive breeding. In 2004, 275 baby animals were born there, including 20 species which are on the World Conservation Union's list of endangered animals. The Singapore Zoo has bred endangered animals such as orangutans, white rhinos, king cobras, rhino iguanas, Malayan tigers and monkeys such as the golden lion tamarin.
 * establishing protected areas for wildlife, e.g. Seregenti National Park in Tanzania;
 * captive breeding or breeding endangered species of animals in zoos and wildlife parks and releasing them to the wild later, e.g. the golden lion tamarin was re-established in the wild in this way;and
 * farming wildlife for human use as well as to replenish their numbers in the wild, e.g. farming of crocodiles, iguana and butterflies.
 * Efforts to protect the environment made by local organisations**



Chek Jawa, on Pulau Ubin, has six different ecosystems over a small area. The six different ecosystems consist of coastal forestm mangrove swamps, sandy beach, mudflats, coral rubble and a tiny island called Frog Island. However, many of the plants and animals are quickly disappearing from Singapore and the rest of the world. Free guided tours on Chek Jawa help to raise awareness on conservation.