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Week 10 second lecture

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  • What is ecology?

    Ecology is the study of species interactions with their biotic and abiotic environment across scales from organisms to the biosphere.

  • Why is it important to consider where your water comes from?

    Water sources vary by environment; understanding your local water source helps assess responsible water use, especially in drought-prone areas.

  • What percentage of Oregon's energy usage is devoted to electricity, transportation, and thermal energy?

    Oregon's energy use is about 41% electricity, 33% transportation, and 26% thermal energy.

  • What are the main sources of electricity in Oregon?

    Hydroelectric power (~39%) and coal (~35%) are the main electricity sources in Oregon, with growing contributions from wind and solar.

  • How can individual actions reduce energy consumption in transportation?

    Using alternatives like biking to work or school reduces transportation energy use and lowers fossil fuel consumption.

  • How much water is required to produce one pound of beef compared to one pound of chicken?

    Producing one pound of beef requires over 1,800 gallons of water, while one pound of chicken requires about 500 gallons.

  • What is the environmental benefit of eating local and organic meals?

    Eating one local and organic meal per week per US citizen could reduce the country's oil consumption by 1.1 million barrels per week.

  • What factors determine if seafood is sustainable?

    Seafood sustainability depends on stock size, catch rates, environmental impact of fishing methods, and bycatch levels.

  • What is bycatch and why is it a concern in shrimp fishing?

    Bycatch is the unintended capture of non-target species; shrimp trolling can produce 3 to 15 pounds of bycatch per pound of shrimp caught.

  • What are turtle exclusion devices used for?

    Turtle exclusion devices reduce turtle bycatch in shrimp fishing nets, protecting threatened turtle populations.

  • What is the Seafood Watch program?

    Seafood Watch rates seafood sustainability based on stock health, catch methods, and environmental impact, using green, yellow, and red ratings.

  • Why is genetic testing important in seafood markets?

    Genetic testing helps verify seafood species to prevent mislabeling and illegal sales, such as whale meat sold as fish.

  • What makes Oregon Pink Shrimp fishery more sustainable than other shrimp fisheries?

    Oregon Pink Shrimp are caught midwater with minimal habitat damage and low bycatch, making the fishery more sustainable.

  • What should consumers consider about the origin of their pets?

    Consumers should know if pets come from wild capture or captive breeding, especially for aquarium fish and exotic animals, to ensure ethical sourcing.

  • What is the aquarium-reef trade?

    The aquarium-reef trade involves capturing and selling tropical marine species for home aquaria, with varying regulations depending on the country.

  • Why is the exotic bird industry considered risky?

    Exotic birds like the hyacinth macaw are expensive, highly regulated, and often involved in black market trade.

  • How can students interested in ecology gain research experience?

    Students can volunteer or work with ecologists, especially during summer fieldwork, by contacting faculty or graduate students in relevant departments.

  • Which academic departments commonly include ecologists?

    Departments such as zoology, botany, forestry, fisheries and wildlife, crop and soil sciences, and environmental sciences often have ecologists.

  • What is the impact of dams on hydroelectric power and ecology?

    Dams generate hydroelectric power but can modify species habitats and interactions by altering natural water flow.

  • How does transportation energy use compare to electricity in Oregon?

    Transportation accounts for 33% of Oregon's energy use, slightly less than electricity at 41%, highlighting the importance of reducing transport energy.