Problem 2
Is the human species a keystone species? Explain. If humans were to become extinct, what are three species that might also become extinct and what are three species whose populations would probably grow?
Problem 3
If you were forced to choose between saving the giant panda from extinction and saving a shark species, which would you choose? Explain.
Problem 4
How would you respond to someone who tells you that: a. he or she does not believe in biological evolution because it is "just a theory"? b. we should not worry about air pollution because natural selection will enable humans to develop lungs that can detoxify pollutants?
Problem 5
How would you respond to someone who says that because extinction is a natural process, we should not worry about the loss of biodiversity when species become extinct largely as a result of our activities?
Problem 6
What role does each of the following processes play in helping to implement the three scientific principles of sustainability: (a) natural selection, (b) speciation, and (c) extinction?
Problem 7
List three aspects of your lifestyle that could be contributing to some of the losses of the earth's biodiversity. For each of these, what are some ways to avoid making this contribution?
Problem 8
Congratulations! You are in charge of the future evolution of life on the earth. What are the three things that you would consider to be the most important to do?
