Essays and Research Papers on Environmental Issues & Ecology

A 5 page paper examining whether the US should be committed to preserving individual plant and animal species. Preservation of individual species absolutely is a worthy pursuit to which the US should dedicate itself. The current system is much too adversarial, pitting the "tree huggers" against the interests of the capitalist base that has kept the country ...

A 7 page discussion of the impact of fire and wind on seed germination and dispersal. Discusses the evolutionary adaptations of certain seeds which have allowed them to benefit from wind or fire and discusses how fire can have both direct and indirect effects on seed germination. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

A 6 page paper discussing the controversy arising from the UN Kyoto Protocol of 1997 as it has taken shape in 2000, with an explanation of the process of photosynthesis as the mechanism by which green plants remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and replace it with pure oxygen. Environmental groups claim that giving credits to industrialized nations ...

A 5 page paper which presents the student with a tutorial example of a letter of request, asking for a donation to save the whales. The request asks for $100,000. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 6 page research paper that examines both the pros and cons of rain forest conservation and concludes that utilization of the rain forest's biodiversity may prove to be the key to its preservation. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

A 5 page overview of Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection. Defines population and provides examples of those populations of birds which captivated Darwin's attention. Outlines how populations are affected by natural selection and how evolution occurs. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 5 page tutorial focuses on the topic of air pollution. Specific instructions provided by a student are followed to wage a persuasive argument. Statistics are utilized and charts are included. Bibliography lists 12 sources.

This 10 page paper provides an overview of the correlation between urban development and the impact that this has on the natural environment. This paper considers how cities are impacted by air pollution and how cities impact the natural environment. This paper specifically assesses the significance of issues like acid rain. Bibliography ...

A 14 page discussion of the perceived right to develop our global environment verses the right to undisrupted and unpolluted natural areas. Introduces the concept of "tragedy of the commons" to explain the scenario which is unfolding around the world. Provides specific types of environmental disruptions which occur with overdevelopment. Concludes that greed and ...

A 6 page discussion of the numerous environmental impacts which have resulted form human overpopulation. Contends that if these impacts aren't addressed, if we don't strive for a more sustainable approach to our environment, the world as we know it will be short-lived. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 5 page paper comparing an article on the effects of acid rain with one on the environmental costs of commercial fishing. Neither of these articles is written from the "tree hugger" perspective, but rather from a realization that active pollution abatement is not always enough. The articles discuss long-term changes in soil fertility that are now ...

A 5 page discussion of the use of lichens as biological indicators. Defines lichens, describes their varied and important ecological roles, and discusses the various environmental parameters which affect their growth, diversity, and distribution. Emphasizes the importance of analytical techniques which utilize lichens in assessing the impacts of air pollution. Bibliography ...

A 10 page discussion of the many considerations which are inherent in occupational hygiene. Emphasizes that occupational hygiene is a multifaceted field. It is a field which involves not only a thorough understanding of facility operations and layout but also an understanding of the contaminants and their mechanism for exposure. Includes a ...

(6pp) The Peace Corps of the United States has been doing "business" for over four decades. This discussion looks at how and where the organization started, and the progress that it has made, as well as how it has served its mission in the process of world growth in underdeveloped nations. ...

A 14 page discussion of the varied issues confronting developing countries in regard to their rural resources and inhabitants. Emphasizes the importance of sustainable development and the protection of ecological, archaeological and human resources. Presents examples of adverse impacts which have been incurred by each, as well as success stories which have occurred, ...

(5 pp) As an average person, I don't think that I get any dirty than most, yet the other day I did agree to help some friends move into a new apartment, and the majority of me was filthy, to the max. I decided that it was time to use one of the super-duper ...

(5 pp). As we move into a new century we become more aware of how hard we were on the planet in the last one hundred years. This discussion examines the general criteria of an ecosystem, and then illustrates what an ecosystem is, by describing one on a north facing slope, and one ...

(10 pp) This discussion centers around a student based assignment to present a problem and/or a controversial subject to an educated audience. The issue and its history needs to be defined; the problem analyzed; debate presented how to resolve the problem; and potential solution to the problem. Although this was developed as ...

8 pages in length. The writer discusses deforestation as it relates to soil erosion, species diversity and global warming. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

10 pages in length. One of the most important discoveries of late is that of workplace influence when it comes to asthma attacks. Experts address the reasons why the office may be one of the most hazardous places to be for an asthmatic, inasmuch as two to fifteen percent of all new asthma ...

A Comparison of the Dallas and Fort Worth Zoos A 5 page comparison of two zoos. Cautions that many zoos stand as much in testament to economics as they do to ecology. Contends that some zoos manage to accomplish a very important purpose far beyond economic profit, however. Of the thousands ...

This 6 page paper looks at the problem of global warming defining and describing some of the possible causes, such as carbon dioxide, water vapour and the natural temperature cycles. The paper also considers some of the proposed solutions to these problems. The bibliography cites 9 sources.

A 5 page overview of cattle behavior. Provides a background on cattle domestication and the long term relationship with man. Notes, however, that cattle behavior in more open areas is considerably more complex than that observed in feed lots and dairy barns. Correlates behavior such as grazing, sleeping, and body position to ...

A 5 page paper. Until recently, Los Angeles was the smoggiest city in the United States. It is now in second place after Houston. This essay discusses the air pollution and provides some data regarding Los Angeles. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

5 pages in length. In today's world where we see species being put on the endangered list on a daily basis, there are ways, albeit costly ones, that could help curtail this problem. This paper will look at what can be done to save endangered species as well as what the possible economics of such an undertaking might ...