A common question posed to environmental scientists by nonscientists, particularly policymakers, is the following: In a world that is globally warmer, what will the new climate be like in specific geographical regions? This question has been and continues to be addressed by computer modeling, a technique that is out of reach for vast majority of…

A laboratory-based exercise that demonstrates mechanisms underlying leaf degradation in streams. Students examine the effects of "leaf conditioning" on the feeding behavior of invertebrate shredders. The exercise is completed in two sessions and can be adapted to both high school and college levels.

Mycorrhizae are among the most common examples of mutualism. This article discusses their structure, symbolic relationship, factors affecting formation and applying research. Questions are posed and answers suggested. (MA)

Summarizes information regarding the importance of water to biological systems, the total ecosystem and its interdependent parts. (CS)

A method for the collection of Aedes mosquito eggs is described whereby collection of mosquito eggs is used to monitor the intensity of egg deposition in urban and rural areas. The data is used to increase public awareness of the effect of human habitation and cultural practices on mosquito abundance.

Surveys the importance of women, actual and potential, to environmental problems, and suggests some solutions to women-related dilemmas both in terms of present and future roles. (Author/JR)

Summarizes information about salt marshes, including descriptions of their development and structure, details of their values in terms of commercial fishing, stabilization of coastal zones, "reclamation" for grazing and cropfields, recreation and aesthetics. (CS)

Describes major desert aquatic habitats, including descriptions of environmental conditions characteristic of these areas and the adaptations of desert aquatic organisms to them. (CS)

Examines four ecological principles and their misapplication in common models of environmental ethics. The principles include balance in nature, the fragility of nature, high diversity yielding high stability, and interdependence in nature. Also suggests an alternative way to incorporate each principle in a working environmental ethic. (AIM)

Describes a systems approach from an ecological perspective for teaching the idea of a species and the notion that being a successful species involves being able to overcome certain general problems that must be solved by all species. (PR)

A description of ecosystem science is presented along with some suggestions for its institutionalization and some projections on its future. Also the future of ecosystems and the possible impact of that future on biology and ecology teaching is discussed. (MR)

Advocates including plants at several trophic levels when studying food chains. Presents background information on parasitic plants, myco-heterophytes (saprophytes), and carnivorous plants. Contains 20 references. (WRM)

Describes a project designed to increase enthusiasm among college human-ecology students for studying environmental problems. Small groups of students were asked to investigate local pollution problems by first discovering them and then filming them with a mobile videotape unit. (JR)

Reviews conservationists efforts in preserving wildlife. Concern is expressed that current public attitude is waning and that unless all concerned citizens continue to work for conservation that present laws will not be adequate to preserve the environment and its wildlife. (SL)