Chapter 9 Natural Relationships
Section 9.2 Ecosystems in Action, page 294
Ecological Footprint
Use the questionnaires on the web sites below to find out your own ecological
footprint. Hint: the first link allows you to compare your findings with
Canadian averages.
http://www.earthday.net/footprint/index.asp
http://www.lead.org/leadnet/footprint/intro.htm
http://www.esb.utexas.edu/drnrm/EcoFtPrnt/Calculate.htm
How does your ecological footprint compare with the average Canadian's?
List some things you could change that would reduce your ecological footprint.
Imagining you have made these changes, enter the information again and see how
small you can make your ecological footprint.
Activity 9B: Investigating Biodiversity, page 299
Select one of the following ecosystems to find a listing of some of the
residents:
arctic/tundra
coniferous/boreal
forest/taiga
deciduous
forest
prairie
mountains
As well as using the links provided, try searching for information on
specific animals using the web browser.
Section 9.2 Ecosystems in Action, page 300
How do Zebra mussels affect the biodiversity of the Great Lakes?
Frequently
Asked Questions about the Zebra Mussel
This site, put out by the U.S. Geological Survey, contains lots of basic
information about Zebra mussels.
Zebra
Mussel Migration to Inland Lakes and Reservoirs: A Guide for Lake Managers
This is a Great Lakes Sea Grant Network fact sheet produced by the Ohio Sea
Grant College Program. Look at the section entitled "Ecological effects
of zebra mussels in inland lakes".
Section 9.3 Human Destruction of Ecosystems, page 306
Why are there limits to the number of fish and other animals that can be
killed? Make a collage to explain your answer.
The
Commercial and Recreational Fisheries Sector
This Government of Canada site outlines the reasons for the rules and
regulations controlling who can fish where and when.
The
Fisheries Council of Canada
This organization is made up of people who make their living by fishing. Check
out their mission statement, and click on "About the Fishery" to
view some of their publications.
Canadian
Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing Operations
This new code is written to help fish harvesters in their efforts to make
harvesting operations responsible and sustainable.
Total
Number of Ontario Moose Validation Tags Up
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources increased the number of moose that
could be shot by hunters in 2001. Find out why.
2002
Hunting Regulations Summary
Read the Premier's and Minister of Natural Resources' messages on pages 3 and
5.
page 307
Over the years our governments have made many laws that may help minimize
environmental damage. Both federal and provincial governments in Canada have
environment ministries that make and enforce environmental laws. What types of
laws have been passed? What laws do you think we need?
Environment
Canada Legislation
Here is a long list of acts and regulations passed by Environment Canada.
Laws
and Policies of the Great Lakes Region
The Great Lakes Information Network has collected together information on the
laws and acts that protect the Great Lakes.
Case Study: The Oak Ridges Moraine and Urban Sprawl, page 310
To develop or not to develop. This question has drawn a lot of people and
organizations into the debate over the Oak Ridges Moraine.
Oak
Ridge Moraine
This City of Toronto site tries to present the facts in an unbiased way. Do
you think it succeeds?
The
Earthroots Campaign to Protect the Oak Ridges Moraine
There's no doubt about which side of the argument this website supports.
Oak
Ridges Moraine Position Paper - Ontario Professional Planners Institute
You might think that this organization would be in favour of development. Read
this carefully to see what you think.
Sustainability,
Planning Practice, and Housing Form in the Oak Ridges Moraine
Even those in favour of development have to acknowledge that the moraine is a
sensitive area. Funding for this project has been provided by the Canada
Mortgage and Housing Corporation through the External Research Programme
Chapter 10 What Can I Do?
Section 10.1 Food Production, page 320
What is chemical-free pest control?
Harry
R. Rosen Alternative Pest Control Research Center
In an effort to come up with non-chemical methods of controlling pests in crop
plants, this research centre is experimenting with many techniques, including
genetic manipulation.
All-Natural
Pesticides
Home and Garden TV's website makes some suggestions for curbing garden pests.
But read them carefully: not all of the suggestions are non-chemical.
Section 10.2 Where Does the Waste Go?
Look at these websites to find out more about the trucking and waste removal
industries.
Waste
News
This tabloid-style newspaper, available on-line, is devoted to issues of waste
reduction and waste management.
Disposal
Technology - Rail Haul Derailed
The on-line magazine Solid Waste and Recycling published this report on
the Government of Ontario's decision not to transport Toronto's garbage to
Kirkland Lake by rail.
