Analyze an agricultural industry’s effect on its surrounding ecosystems.
Analysis could include local and global environmental issues such as
- public land and water use
- water, soil, and air quality
- loss of habitat (e.g., deforestation, urbanization)
- population growth
- watersheds (e.g., restrictions, agricultural, commercial)
- wildlife populations
- invasive species
- natural events
- energy production (e.g., coal mining, hydraulic fracturing, renewable energies).
Process/Skill Questions:
- How is our demand for fossil fuels affecting the environment?
- How does habitat fragmentation influence an ecosystem?
- What regulations govern the use of natural resources?
- What behaviors contribute to water pollution?
- What are the major local environmental issues in the community?
- How can hydraulic fracturing affect water quality?
- How does overpopulation affect ecosystems?
- What types of best management practices should be considered regarding issues related to loss of habitat, overpopulation, pollution, wildfires, exotic and invasive species, extreme weather conditions, and recreational use of natural resources?
- How does habitat loss affect wildlife populations?
- What effect do environmental regulations have on the agricultural industry, on life in general, and in the future?
- What affect does water quality have on life?
- Why is protecting the watershed important?