Journalists must be concise when reporting science news. Why might journalists and the public struggle to understand and discuss ecosystems ecology and global warming?

This box-and-arrow model summarizes some of the feedback links observed in the Amazon rain forest. Select True or False for the statements that follow, based on whether they are represented by the model.

T/F The burning of fossil fuels increases atmospheric $\mathrm{CO}_2$.
T/F Tree growth reduces atmospheric $\mathrm{CO}_2$.
T/F The death of trees promotes the invasion of grasses.
T/F An increase in $\mathrm{CO}_2$ increases the frequency of droughts.
T/F Drought increases the frequency of forest fires.

Researchers have measured the effects of periodic forest fires on primary productivity in Amazon rain forest plots, comparing years with average precipitation and years with severe drought. Propose which controls would be necessary for such studies.

Select True or False for each statement about the effects of clearcutting on the Amazon rain forest, then explain your reasoning.

T/F Nutrient export is likely to decline.
T/F Atmospheric $\mathrm{CO}_2$ is likely to decline.
T/F Soil moisture is likely to decline.
T/F Species diversity is likely to decline.

Which of the following types of ecosystem typically has the highest net primary productivity?

a. temperate forest
b. tropical dry forest
c. tropical grassland
d. tropical wet forest

During the Carboniferous period, plant growth was extensive but rates of decomposition slowed (probably due to the formation of vast, oxygen-poor swamp habitats). As a result, large amounts of biomass accumulated in terrestrial environments (much of this biomass is now coal). The fossil record indicates that atmospheric oxygen increased, atmospheric carbon dioxide decreased, and global temperatures dropped. Explain why.

Predict where on the globe the highest risk of skin cancer would occur, and explain why.

Explain to a fourth-grade student, an elderly neighbor, a parent, or your best friend why the climate is changing.

Explain why it takes about $10$ times more energy to grow a kilogram of beef than a kilogram of wheat. Which food source is more sustainable?

Make a table comparing the following aspects of the water, nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon cycles: (1) important reservoirs, (2) primary natural processes that move the elements among reservoirs, (3) main impacts by humans.

Does the pH increase or decrease, and does it do so to a large or small extent, with each of the following additions?

5 drops of 0.1 M NaOH to 100 mL of 0.5 acetate buffer,

Like neurons, cells in skeletal and cardiac muscle also produce action potentials. Create a concept map showing how BTX could kill a mammal through its effects on nervous and muscle tissues.

A 0.035 M solution of a weak acid (HA) has a pH of 4.88. What is the Ka of the acid?

(a) Why does Montresor hate Fortunato? (b) Why does Montresor feel he has the right to take justice into his own hands?