Section 5: Ecosystem Disruption:
​Consequences For Our Planet and It's Human Population. 

Last class, we explored our current understanding of what constitutes a biodiverse ecosystem. We also examined how, since species are interconnected in a biodiversity web, the loss of one species may diminish the vigor of the entire system. We then discussed the root causes of ecosystem loss and the accompanying detrimental effects on the  the quality of our planet's air, water, and terrestrial biomes. 

Next class, we'll begin our exploration of how 
​the decline in air quality has impacted and will impact the vitality of human populations. We'll complete the section with an analysis of the data showing the negative consequences of biodiversity loss on our global climate. 

* As identified by the Clean Air Act/ National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Ground Ozone and Particulate Matter  are considered "criteria pollutants" and as such are monitored and regulated by the EPA based on science based guidelines of primary and secondary "permissible levels"
 (ambient and emissions). 

 Air Pollution

 Lung Function/Lung Function Test

What is the link to cardiovascular disease?​pollution -->inflammation increases --> free radical conc. increases --> oxidative stress increases as free radicals bind to Nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide encourages vasodilation
​Utah Air Quality Retreat in Salt Lake City, Utah April 2014

 your first list: cheetahs, elephants, 
 rhino, gorilla, whale , falcon

your second list:
​ ​turtles, salmon, tree frog,
 spiders, coral, rainforest "stuff"

and here's a third...​
 http://www.earthsendangered.
​ com/plant_list.asp