Biomes & Diversity interactiveDiscussion Question 1
Before completing your post, review the Week 1: Biomes & Diversity interactive video, which is designed to assist you in understanding more about this week’s topic and to help you organize your initial post.

As you have learned in the readings, extinction is a natural selection process. You have also read that humans are often responsible for accelerating this process. Using at least two scholarly or reputable resources and your textbook, address whether or not we as humans should be concerned with the extinction rate. Additionally, discuss whether or not humans should strive to preserve representative samples of all biomes on the planet. Before beginning your discussion, watch the video “Choosing Articles and Revising Searches,” which defines the difference between scholarly, reputable, and non-reputable resources.

Your initial post should be at least 150 words in length. Utilize at least two scholarly or reputable resources and your textbook to support your claims. Cite your sources in APA format.

Assignment
Environmental Footprint
Carefully review the Grading Rubric before beginning the assignment.

The purpose of this assignment is to provide you with an opportunity to learn more about how connected you are to the ecosystems and biosphere that you inhabit. You will learn how your everyday choices impact our environment. Most importantly, you will learn about the benefits of joining the increasing number of people who are making choices that reduce their environmental impact.

First, calculate your ecological footprint (If you are having difficulty getting any of the proper information from the calculator, you may need to try a different web browser. For instance, if you are using Google Chrome, you may need to use Internet Explorer, Safari, Mozilla, etc. If you are using one of these and are experiencing difficulties, you may need to try Google Chrome, etc.).
1. Use the Footprint Calculator to measure your ecological footprint and learn “how many Earths” it takes to support your lifestyle. Be sure to choose the “detailed response” option for each question.
2. Answer each question in the quiz honestly and record your answers and results in the Environmental Footprint Reporting Form.
Second, calculate your household carbon emissions.

1. Use the Household Carbon Footprint Calculator to measure your carbon emissions and determine your environmental impact and the benefits of solutions.
o Section 1: Estimate your current total household emissions (from home energy use, vehicle use, waste).
o Section 2: Explore actions you can take to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and waste disposal costs.
o Section 3: See how much you can save (in dollars and emissions) by taking the actions you chose in Section 2.
2. Answer each question in the quiz honestly and record your answers and results in the Environmental Footprint Reporting Form. Complete Tables A and B as well as assignment questions 1 through 4 in complete sentences on the Environmental Footprint Reporting Form.
Complete Tables A and B as well as Questions 1 through 4 in complete sentences on the Environmental Footprint Reporting Form and submit the document via Waypoint. The document does not need to include a title page or other APA formatting; however, if you utilize any outside sources in your answers, you must reference these sources in proper APA format as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Question 2
Before completing your post, review the Week 2: Food & Agriculture interactive video, which is designed to assist you in understanding more about this week’s topic and to help you organize your initial post.

In the United States, we are fortunate to have an abundant supply of food. However, this abundance is largely due to advances in agricultural technology, which have in turn created numerous concerns surrounding our food sources. Provide at least two modern examples of how the United States has increased its food production. Using at least two scholarly or reputable resources and your textbook, discuss how these changes have affected the environment, and what impact they have on food safety.
Your initial post should be at least 150 words in length. Utilize at least two scholarly or reputable resources and your textbook to support your claims. Cite your sources in APA format.