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)