http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/02/beetle-is-new-climate-weapon.php?campaign=th_rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+treehuggersite+(Treehugger)&utm_content=Google+ReaderSummary: In New Zealand, they are importing 11 different species of dung beetles from Australia as an effective way to battle climate gases. Dung beetles are known for eating poop and creation new life from it. They also hide their eggs in their own waste. As the eggs hatch they feed on the poop, which turns it into sawdust. As the manure decomposes, it releases greenhouse gases. Dung beetles eat up the nitrous oxide and convert it into carbon dioxide. The scientists realize the importance of the dung beetles and think it could save everyone a lot of money.
Reflection: I think it is cool that the dung beetles are able to convert the nitrous oxide into carbon dioxide. I also think that the dung beetles are important in keeping the soil rich and helping the farmers save money. people do need to be careful that they do not bring in too many of the unfamiliar species to an ecosystem so it does not cause disastrous effects.
Questions:
1) Do you think it is good or bad to bring in the dung beetles? why?
2) Do yo think that the beetles will overpopulate and become noneffective?
3) If the beetles do overpopulate, will the native species decrease?
4) What can humans do to make sure none of the above happens?
I think that it is very cool how scientists found a way to put the beetles to good use for humans. It is very fascinating that they can convert nitrous oxide into carbon dioxide, which causes less harm to the Earth’s atmosphere. Also, I think that it is cool how beetles can eat poop and break it down, to better soil quality. This will save farmer’s money on soil fertilizers.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1) Do you think it is good or bad to bring in the dung beetles? Why?
I think it could go either way. I would say that yes, it is a good thing, because they allow farmers to save money by giving them better soil quality, naturally. It is also a good thing because these beetles can convert nitrous oxide into a less harmful carbon dioxide. However, these beetles could have a bad affect if they become invasive. Scientists need to watch to make sure that they do not wipe out the native species.
I think it's a little disgusting how the dung beetle species eat their own poop. However, they also use it for a good purpose. Carbon dioxide is much better in the atmosphere than nitrous oxide. Also, if this existence of dung beetles is saving people money, then it is a good idea to have them here.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: Yes, I think the beetles will overpopulate eventually. However, I don't think they will become uneffective. They will still have an impact on what is being put into the atmosphere but, excess carbon dioxide isn't the best for us. Humans burning fossil fuels and such is already putting more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. What we really need is more oxygen.