1. Recall the concept of carrying capacity from the logistic population growth model discussed in the unit lesson and Required Unit Resources. How have humans modified the carrying capacity of the environment they live in? Describe some specific examples, especially in relation to where you live.

Your journal entry must be at least 200 words in length. No references or citations are necessary.

2. A thought-provoking article by Darimont et al. (2015), which is a resource in the Required Unit Resources, called humans unsustainable super predators with the power to alter ecological and evolutionary processes globally. What qualities would you think make humans a super predator? From what you have learned in this unit and from your personal experience or research, refute or accept this claim. Please provide some specific examples.

Your journal entry must be at least 200 words in length. No references or citations are necessary.

3.

Instructions

Humans have a long history of controlling ndesirable3pecies, like predators perceived as destructive to domestic animals and game species. In North America, predators like wolves, coyotes, and birds of prey have been extensively shot and trapped, sometimes to near extinction.

Culling, the removal of individual animals from a population, is sometimes used in wildlife management for population control.

• What is your opinion on culling of wildlife populations regarding ecological and ethical considerations?
• Is there a time that culling is appropriate?
• Are there viable alternatives to culling?

Please feel free to do some independent research. For insight, please see the video below on active management to address a disease epidemic in an African nature reserve.

EMC Consulting PTY Ltd/Flame (Producer). (2002). Active management stops epidemic (Segment 4 of 13) [Video]. In Playing God: Active environmental management(e African game. Films on Demand.