Lab No. 2 - Comparison between scientific and popular articles

A)  COMPARISON OF TWO PAIR ARTICLES (SCIENTIFIC AND POPULAR)

1.    Comparison between articles “A” & “B”.

The popular article (“B”) does not address everything what was wrote on the scientific one (“A”), because the scientific article talks about very specific research information on how rural out-migration in Mexico had affected the deforestation levels, agricultural intensification, and deforestation in the Neotropics (such as Mexico), it also gives a message (which I totally agree) that with social and government support, proper human development strategies involving the active participation or rural people Mexico’s society can face and reduce the deforestation levels. On the other side, the popular article pointed out what are the main factors of deforestation worldwide. However, both articles have something very important in common: Deforestation expansion as a negative cause of deforestation in many countries (Mexico as one them), mainly because of non-sustainable agriculture practices, and extensive use of grasslands for livestock.

2.    Comparison between articles “C” & “D”.

The popular article (“D”) address very accurately the science article (“C”) about the oil spill happened in April, 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico. The popular article summarized and clearly explained the data on the scientific article: This was a tremendous oil spill (notice that nearly 5 million barrels (210 million gallons) of oil spewed), “the oil spill and plume covered nearly 360 square miles, about the size of Dallas, Texas”- according to the research article. The task that the first researches had was to investigate what were the results/impact that this event caused on the deep-sea ecosystem and the natural resources around the area. Even though part of “the oil was removed by cleanup operations and other natural mechanisms it is estimated that 35% of hydrocarbons from the oil were trapped” in the surface and deep sea and devastating the biodiversity of the Gulf of Mexico. Sadly, the recovery rates in the deep sea are likely to be slow, on the order of decades or longer.

B) SCIENCE ARTICLE ANALYSIS (ARTICLE “A”)

What this a controlled experiment? Yes.

What was the control?

Tables and graphs that provided analysis of deforestation rates in relationship to percentage of population.
What were the hypotheses of the experiment?

One of the theories the article showed was that the agriculture’s out-migration from Mexico caused the abandonment of agricultural production which in turn, became one of the main causes of recovery of forested areas.

Did the data support the hypothesis (hypotheses)?

NO, according to the research that the authors did, people migrating to the U.S. is a response to rural and urban unemployment, and once they save enough money they invest in livestock and sell their grasslands to bigger farmers that keep expanding agriculture (without applying sustainability). As mentioned on this article: “Expansion of agriculture is the largest driver of deforestation in underdeveloped tropical countries”, such as Mexico.

Were the methods repeatable?

Yes, the data provided by the tables on the article were obtained from 10 to 15 case studies (some of them went from 1986 to 2000) analyzed by Galvan and colleagues (2009).
Was there adequate replication?

Yes, on page 869 was showed a brief description of two cases derived from their own field research, in which neoliberal policies propelled significant land-use change by inducing international migration and discouraging or outcompeting small-farmer maize production.

Was there a founding source to that may be a conflict of interest?
This research project was funded by the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (projects 51253 and 45636) and by the University of California Institute for Mexico and the United States program (2008-2009).

Lab 3: My Tropical Ecology Blog!

• What am I excited about learning in my tropical ecology class?

Biomes and ecosystems in Mexico, the root causes and effects that population growth and human actions are creating on our Natural Resources, and how can I clearly inform people in a crearly way. How the different ecosystems in Mexico act, how large is the damage they've had, and how can people repair such harm.

• What is one of the main environmental issues your community experiences?

Water shortage is a major issue in Santa Maria Zacatepec, Oaxaca, Mexico.  The lack of sustainable agriculture harms the environment by excessive consuming rivers, lakes and underground water sources dry. "Inefficient food production and harmful agriculture subsidies are causing deforestation, water shortages and pollution" - according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Economic diversity which leads to deforestation and the depletion of natural resources, affecting water availability and contributing to  climate change. The entire community of Zacatepec is affected by the water shortage which has resulted in the increase in cost for drinkable water, and has negative effects on farming practices and wildlife habitat; therefore, all people in Zacatepec are affected directly or indirectly. All the causes are connected because all of them need to have an organized and appropriate management.

• What things have you learned thus far to help improve the environmental conditions of your community?

That there are connections between populations of different species of animals, plants, etc. therefore, when human activities interfer somehow in this natural cycle, the results can be really huge and negative. 

• Video:  Mexico: Leaving a Legacy for Future Generations.

This video showcases Mexico's people and varied landscapes. The key message is that by acting now, we can protect the country's natural resources before they disappear, weave together a better future for people and nature and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come - The Nature Conservancy, 2010.

• Website: Biodiversity of Mexico, Flora, Fauna, and Ecosystems

NOTE: For this specific website, you must click on the images to navigate into another webpages (the links were put in the images, not the words or sentences)