Re: [ECOLOG-L] Evolution Population Ecology Competition or Adaptation

[Wirt Atmar]

Wayne Tyson asks:

> I would like to know how many (what percentage of?) ecologists think
> competition drives evolution or whether it's adaptation.

The question isn't either-or. Competition for resources within a bounded arena
results in adaptation.

Darwinian evolutionary theory is composed of only five components:

   (i) a bounded arena,
  (ii) a replicating population which must eventually expand beyond
   the bounds of the arena,
 (iii) thermodynamically inescapable replicative error,
  (iv) competition for space in that arena among the inevitable
   variants, and
   (v) consequential competitive exclusion of the lesser fit.

Darwinian evolutionary theory is an optimization algorithm. The most overt
attribute of the process is the accumulation of increasingly appropriate
behaviors within the evolving lineage of trials.

"Adaptation" is simply the overt response to that evolution of increasingly
appropriate behaviors. The agent of evolution is natural selection, which is
mediated by the constant culling of the least appropriate phenotypes from the
inevitable excess population locked within that finitely bounded arena at every
generation.

If you want to read a ponderously technical description of this process, written
for engineers, you might look at:

   http://aics-research.com/research/notes.html

When a process is understood well enough, and we do understand the Darwinian
algorithm very well now, it can be exploited for engineering purposes. Indeed,
that may be the ultimate test for how well we understand a process.

I mentioned the other day that all sciences eventually become predictive, and
that prediction is the only way we have of measuring how well we understand a
subject, but engineering exploitation of a scientific discipline represents yet
a higher level of understanding.

There are now hundreds of engineering organizations employing Darwinian
evolutionary methods to design structures and processes now. One of them is a
group at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, headed by Jason Lohn. One
of the more interesting things that Jason's group has done recently is design
the first spacecraft-flyable antennas using evolutionary methods:

   http://ic.arc.nasa.gov/projects/esg/research/antenna.htm

The results of their design work appears at the bottom of the page. As Jason has
said, "no matter how drunk you got an antenna engineer, he never would have
designed anything that looks like this," but the evolved antennas have a higher
gain and better angular coverage than do the best of all of the previously
human-designed antennas.

Leslie Orgel's Second Law, "evolution is cleverer than you are," now appears on
more engineering PowerPoint slides than it does on those of biochemists, the
audience for whom he originally meant the comment.

Wirt Atmar

[ECOLOG-L] Job Opportunity: UCSB staff research associate - amphibian disease ecology

[Cherie Briggs]

We will be hiring a career, full-time Staff Research Associate II to 
assist with our project studying the interaction between the amphibian 
chytrid fungal pathogen and mountain yellow-legged frogs. We are looking 
for someone to help with the laboratory, data management, and animal 
care portions of the project.  Excellent organizational skills, and 
experience with laboratory techniques, such as PCR and real-time PCR, 
are the most important requirements for this position.


The job will be located off campus at the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research 
Lab (SNARL) in the eastern Sierra near Mammoth Lakes during the summer 
months, and on the UCSB campus during the rest of the year.  Housing 
will be provided at SNARL during the summer.


Please forward this announcement to anyone who might be a good candidate 
for this position.


The details are at:  jobs.ucsb.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=182854

A brief description:
Provides laboratory, animal care, and data management support for an 
ecological study of the impacts of a fungal pathogen on mountain 
yellow-legged frogs in California's Sierra Nevada. Performs, tests, and 
troubleshoots laboratory techniques, including DNA extraction and 
real-time PCR, to process biological samples. Helps organize data and 
maintains databases. Assists with setup and maintenance of laboratory 
and outdoor mesocosm experiments involving live amphibians. Cultures 
fungus from biological samples, and maintains fungus cultures for use in 
laboratory experiments. Oversees and supervises undergraduates assisting 
with all of these tasks.


Thanks,
Cherie

Re: [ECOLOG-L] summer reading with an ecologic/environmental theme

[Erin Brandy]

Being less than five years out of college, I would highly recommend "A Sand
County Almanac," and "Desert Solitaire."  I also enjoyed "A Walk in the
Woods," by Bill Bryson.  I'm working my way through "Cadillac Desert" right
now and find it very dense; I doubt it would hold the attention of many
college freshmen.  I think books by Michael Pollan and John McPhee are well
written and would be able to hold a 17 or 18 year-old's attention.

Cheers,
Erin Brandy

Re: [ECOLOG-L] McDonough - I don't think so

[Paul Cherubini]

David Bryant wrote:

> I'm not sure of your point here or where you get your data.

> A 72 VW "micro-bus" got around 20 mpg (less than a Subaru Forester,
> replete with airbags, crumple zones, and cup holders) and was one of
> the most dangerous vehicles on the road. 

OK, I'll try outlining another example.  If you took a 3,300 pound 2007 
Subaru Forester and installed a 80 HP 4 cyl engine in place of 
it's 171 HP engine, a manual transmission in place of it's automatic,
and front wheel drive in place of all wheel drive, it's weight would
drop to about 2,800 pounds and it's highway fuel economy would
climb to about 37 MPG from 26 MPG.  Then strip away the air bags 
and crash protection structural reinforcements and weight declines to
2500 lbs and fuel economy would rise to about 40 MPG.  Along with this
large (54%) increase in fuel economy there would be a corresponding
large (54%) reduction in carbon emissions. 

At this point you'd have a vehicle with the same genera level of power,
comfort, convenience and safety features as a early 1980's era 
vehicle and a vehicle like early 80's era ecologists and activists in the
USA were willing to drive, but not present day ecologists.
In addition, early 80's ecologists embraced the national 55 MPH 
speed limit, which further boosted highway fuel economy 15%. 

Paul Cherubini
El Dorado, CA

[ECOLOG-L] Evolution Population Ecology Competition or Adaptation Re: Fuzzy set ordination website--revised and improved

[Wayne Tyson]

Y'all:

I would like to know how many (what percentage of?) ecologists think 
competition drives evolution or whether it's adaptation.


WT

At 09:03 AM 3/29/2007, Richard L. Boyce wrote:

The Fuzzy Set Ordination (FSO) website
, which I've maintained for some
years, has just been revised and improved.  Here are some of the
major changes:

*It has been redesigned to work with Dave Roberts' Laboratory for
Dynamic Synthetic Vegephenomenology website and plant community
ecology analysis techniques, including his routines for FSO and
multidimensional FSO

*All routines have been rewritten to run in the statistical program R

*The similarity indices that I've found to work the best with FSO are
now listed, with appropriate R routines to calculate them

*Examples using both presence/absence data and abundance data are presented

*The FSO bibioigraphy has been updated

If you use ordination in your work, please take a look.  I'd be very
interested in hearing from you regarding how useful the site is and
any ways in which it can be improved.
--
=
Richard L. Boyce
Department of Biological Sciences
Northern Kentucky University
Nunn Drive
Highland Heights, KY  41099  USA

859-572-1407 (tel.)
859-572-5639 (fax)
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.nku.edu/~boycer/
=

"One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly
making exciting discoveries." - A.A. Milne

[ECOLOG-L] Mapping-GPS Certified User Workshop for ecology educators: 12 - 14 MARCH 2008 - A FEW SEATS LEFT!

[Cary Chevalier]

Ladies and Gentlemen:

FIRST, SORRY FOR ANY DOUBLE POSTING.  IT WAS NOT INTENDED!

A FEW SEATS LEFT IN THE 12-14 MARCH WORKSHOP!!  REGISTRATION DEADLINE MONDAY, 3 
MARCH!!

Looking for that perfect opportunity to get up to speed with mapping GPS before 
your winter/spring classes or field seasons hit?  Have you always wanted to 
incorporate mapping GPS in your field ecology classes or your field work, but 
couldn’t find the time to get trained up?  Well, here is the perfect 
opportunity for all you over-stressed ecology teachers,  professors, 
biologists/ecologists, and students to make your dream come true!  I would like 
to invite you to consider participating in the following Certified User Mapping 
GPS Workshop:

12 – 14 MARCH 2008.

Each workshop is a total immersion 3-day workshop titled: INTRODUCTION TO 
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS FOR MAPPING AND NAVIGATION.  Each workshop is 
limited to a maximum of 10 participants to insure quality instruction and lots 
of personal attention!

These courses generally fill quickly, so if you are interested, please reserve 
your place as soon as possible.  You may secure your reservation prior to 
payment, but arrangements for payment must be made by the time the session 
begins.

SCOPE OF COURSE:  This is an intro (but intense) course to mapping GPS with no 
prior experience in GPS required or expected. But you'll definitely be a GIS 
mapping-level GPS power tool when you're finished with this workshop.  We will 
train on TRIMBLE GEO XT  and XH mobile GIS GPS units with TERRASYNC PRO, and we 
will use PATHFINDER OFFICE integration software.  We will also learn to use 
bluetooth wireless communication, WAAS real-time differential, Coast Guard 
Beacon real-time differential.  These courses are taught by an experienced 
manufacturer Certified Trainer (me; Trimble Navigation, LTD).

For details including course content and instructions on how to register, I 
invite you to visit the course website at:

http://www.wi.missouriwestern.edu/Seminars/GPS_GIS/index.html

If you would like to discuss the nature of these workshops, or if I can be of 
service in any way, feel free to contact me at your convenience!

These are professional workshops, designed to bring you “up to speed” quickly.  
These are ideal workshops for professionals who want to gain operational 
competence quickly and also excellent workshops for students wanting to acquire 
these skills to increase their marketability! NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE IN MAPPING 
GPS NECESSARY OR EXPECTED!

I also can provide training at your site.  If you would like to host a workshop 
at your institution, contact me at your convenience!

Cary D. Chevalier, Ph.D.
Department of Biology
Missouri Western State University
4525 Downs Dr.
St. Joseph, MO 64507
Ph: 816.271.4252
Fax: 816.271.4252
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Latitude 39o 45' 29.94559" N - Longitude 94o 47' 6.49119" W


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[ECOLOG-L] Botany/Ecology Internships, Montana

[Linda Vance]

The Montana Natural Heritage Program of the University of Montana is 
looking for 1 or 2 interns to assist in developing and testing vegetation-
based metrics for assessing the ecological integrity of wetlands, beginning 
in late May or early June 2008 and extending through late August.  The work 
requires strong plant identification skills, good organizational and data 
management abilities, and a willingness to work long hours in potentially 
adverse weather conditions and/or remote locations.  Camping equipment will 
be supplied.   Field locations will vary from southwestern Montana (the 
Centennial Valley) to eastern and southeastern Montana (Miles City area) to 
the Glaciated Plains (along the Canadian border from the Rocky Mountain 
Front to North Dakota). A vehicle will be provided, so candidates need a 
drivers’ license and a clean driving record.

Interns with demonstrated work or internship experience with wetland plant 
identification and vegetation sampling in the Rocky Mountains or Great 
Plains will be hired as summer temps at $8-10 per hour.  Persons with good 
skills but no experience will be hired as unsalaried interns, but will be 
eligible for continued, paid employment in the summer of 2009.  Both 
salaried and unsalaried positions include a per diem of $23 for days in the 
field. 

For more information, or to submit a letter of interest, contact:

Linda Vance, Ph.D
Ecologist/Senior Projects Manager
Montana Natural Heritage Program
1515 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59620-1800
(406)-444-3380
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://mtnhp.org

Re: [ECOLOG-L] McDonough - I don't think so

[David Bryant]

Paul,

I'm not sure of your point here or where you get your data.

A 72 VW "micro-bus" got around 20 mpg (less than a Subaru Forester,  
replete with airbags, crumple zones, and cup holders) and was one of  
the most dangerous vehicles on the road. A simple panic stop could  
put an unbelted driver through the windshield.  Having busted my  
knuckles under too many 40 yr old cars to count I can tell you that  
few would allow installation of pollution controls without a major  
rebuild.  Modern cars get roughly 2X the horsepower per cylinder  
displacement of even the most steroid pumped 60's muscle car.  The  
impetus for this advancement came during the 70's oil embargo when  
engineers tried to squeeze as much energy as they could from a gallon  
gas.  To accomplish this compression ratios were increased, cylinder  
heads were completely redesigned, additional intake and/or exhaust  
valves and spark plugs were added, carburetors were replaced with  
fuel injection and distributors with computers.  To do that to a VW  
Bus would cost more than a TOYOTA 4 Runner.  The benefit was not only  
increased fuel mileage but greatly decreased hydrocarbon emissions.


But I don't think any of this was the topic of the McDonough thread:  
Does replacing you 10 yr old car with a hybrid reduce your carbon  
footprint?


David Bryant

On Feb 28, 2008, at 3:25 PM, Paul Cherubini wrote:


In Cuba it's routine to see 40-60 year old cars on the road.
Cuban's realize a car's body and frame can last indefinately
and all the drivetrain and suspension componets can be
replaced as they wear out. Modern components such as
engines with emission controls can also be installed
in these old vehicles.

But I don't believe the ecologists and environmental activists
in the first world countries could stomach driving 30 year
old, let alone 50 year old vehicles for a variety of comfort and
convenience reasons such as: they can't accelerate and corner
fast, they take some muscle to steer and brake (no power
steering or power brakes) must be manually shifted, don't
have air bags, crash protection beams in the doors and so forth.

Practical example: 30-40 years ago the standard workhorse
field vehicle for an ecologist was a Volkswagen Bus with a
4 cylinder engine, manual transmission, no air conditioning,
marginal high speed cornering capability and took 25 seconds
to accelerate from 0 - 60 MPH. Despite it's substantial size and
interior roominess, a VW Bus weighed only 3000 pounds because
it wasn't burdened with all the comfort, convenience and safety
features todays ecologists and activists demand such as a
powerful engine, all wheel drive, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, heavy steel
beams in the doors and dashboard for crash protection, and
so forth.  Now ask yourself: would today's ecologists and
activists in the first world countries be enthusiastically willing
to buy old VW Buses instead of heavy and powerful Subaru's
4Runners and Jeeps to help save the planet if the VW's were
still available?

I think Exxon executives know the answer to that question and
that's why Exxon predicts the world demand for petroleum and
associated carbon emissions will continue to increase for the
next 30 years.

Paul Cherubini
El Dorado, Calif.

[ECOLOG-L] Vegetation Sampling Technician

[Kasia Urban]

Position Description:
The desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is federally listed as a 
threatened species north and west of the Colorado River under the 
Endangered Species Act. In summer 2005, the Southern Nevada Complex fires 
burned over 597,000 acres in southern Lincoln County, NV, including almost 
225,500 acres of desert tortoise habitat. A goal of this work is to assess 
vegetation in burned and unburned areas of desert tortoise habitat to 
determine its suitability as food and cover for tortoises, and to inform 
restoration efforts. Two-person teams will sample study areas using 
standard methods during March, May-Jun and Aug-Sep, and sample processing 
will take place in April, July and October. Field Technicians will be 
trained in standard vegetation sampling techniques. This project will 
require extensive travel and some multi-day field camping.


Compensation:  
o   Rate of Pay: $15.00/hour
o   Medical and dental benefits 
o   Paid personal leave
o   Field per diem


Contract & Timeline:  
o   March 2008 – October 2008



Location:
o   Based in Mesquite, NV (approximately one hour from Las Vegas, NV 
to the southwest and St. George, UT to the northeast).









Qualifications:
o   Bachelor’s degree in biology (plant or conservation), ecology or 
related field; 
o   Minimum one year experience (or combination over various field 
seasons) collecting field data or following established field collection 
protocols, experience conducting vegetation sampling strongly preferred; 
o   Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and/or 
data collection;
o   Experience reading topographic maps and using a compass;
o   Knowledge of southwestern/Mojave flora and desert ecosystems 
highly desirable; 
o   Possess a valid, clean state-issued driver’s license, and operate 
a 4WD vehicle safely on- and off-road;
o   Ability to work productively with a positive attitude in harsh and 
rapidly changing desert conditions; 
o   Ability to work on steep or uneven terrain, and otherwise be in 
good physical condition; and
o   Willingness to camp in the desert backcountry for consecutive days.


How to Apply:
Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their 
résumé, and three references to Kasia Urban, Great Basin Institute 
Recruitment Specialist at [EMAIL PROTECTED]

[ECOLOG-L] Wilderness and Recreation Technician Position

[Kasia Urban]

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land 
Management, Tonopah Field Office, is hiring a Wilderness and Recreation 
Technician to assist current GBI field staff to assess the current 
condition of Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) and continue work on an on-
going route inventory, including those routes and other developments 
adjacent to and entering WSAs. WSA and route inventory results will 
determine the level of change to the resource, if any, since designation 
in 1980. More specifically, the Wilderness and Recreation Technician will 
utilize a Trimble GeoExplorer XH GPS unit to gather linear and attribute 
data on routes associated with WSA and route inventories. In addition, the 
Technician will download and correct data using Pathfinder Office GPS and 
store it on the district’s GIS data base. ArcGIS 9 will be utilized for 
map making and planning efforts. The Technician will enhance and develop 
skills related to data collection, management, consolidation, storage, as 
well as methods for presenting easily understandable data.

The Battle Mountain BLM District consists of 10.2 million acres of the 
Great Basin in central Nevada, encompassing extreme diversity in 
topography, habitat and ecosystems. There will be some flexibility in 
choosing a work schedule, but likely will work 8 10-hour days (Wednesday – 
Wednesday), and then have six days off (Thursday – Tuesday). Seasonal 
office work may require alteration of this schedule. The technician will 
be expected to spend several nights a week field camping during the field 
season.  

Compensation:  
o   Rate of Pay: $17.64/hr
o   Health and dental benefits 
o   Field per diem

Timeline:  
o   April 2008 (or upon availability)
o   Full time, no overtime

Location:
Tonopah, NV

Qualifications:
o   Bachelors of science degree in Natural Resources or related field 
(with interest in recreation/wilderness management);




o   At least one year of experience collecting field data or following 
established field collection protocols;
o   Knowledge of or ability to learn how to use Trimble GPS units 
o   Experience creating maps and manipulating data using ArcGIS;
o   Ability to work with members of the public;
o   Motivated, self-starter, detail oriented, and good organizational 
skills;
o   An interest and ability to camp and work in remote locations;
o   Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, 
traverse uneven terrain and hike cross-country for extended distances (8-
10 miles) 
o   Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass;
o   Clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with knowledge of or 
ability to learn how to safely operate an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and 
4WD pickup; 
o   Willingness and ability to work safely; and
o   Citizenship or U.S. work authorization required

o   Optimum qualifications include above with overnight field 
experience, experience working alone, GPS, GIS skills, 4WD driving 
experience, ATV experience w/ safety course completion, and an excellent 
safety record.

How to Apply:
Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their 
résumé, and a list of three professional references to Kasia Urban, Great 
Basin Institute Recruitment Specialist at [EMAIL PROTECTED]

This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national 
origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, 
or religion.  Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] McDonough - I don't think so

[William Silvert]

Although there is some validity to Paul's comments, there are some omissions 
too. The main one is that in most parts of N. America and Europe cars don't 
last as long as they do in Cuba. Two reasons: (1) the main one is that 
frames don't last indefinitely in countries where salt is used on winter 
roads. I've gotten 10 years out of a car in Nova Scotia, but by then just 
about any car is rusted out. (2) There is a repair infrastructure in Cuba 
and other poor countries to keep cars running that doesn't exist in richer 
countries. Hell, I had to buy a new assembly for a bicycle that was five 
years old only to be told that the manufacturer no longer produced that part 
(which I had fabricated anyway). Except for classics, parts for old cars are 
really hard to find - and often expensive.


Also I should mention than although Americans drive automatics, in the rest 
of the world they are found only on luxury cars for the most part. I drive a 
Kia Sorento, an SUV which comes in Portugal as a 4-cylinder standard and in 
the US as a V-6 automatic. There is a cultural factor here which is not the 
fault of ecologists.


Finally, do we really want to give up our safety features? I guess we could 
save some weight by removing seat belts and air bags -- how about that, 
Paul?


Bill Silvert


- Original Message - 
From: "Paul Cherubini" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

To: 
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2008 8:25 PM
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] McDonough - I don't think so



In Cuba it's routine to see 40-60 year old cars on the road.
Cuban's realize a car's body and frame can last indefinately
and all the drivetrain and suspension componets can be
replaced as they wear out. Modern components such as
engines with emission controls can also be installed
in these old vehicles.

But I don't believe the ecologists and environmental activists
in the first world countries could stomach driving 30 year
old, let alone 50 year old vehicles for a variety of comfort and
convenience reasons such as: they can't accelerate and corner
fast, they take some muscle to steer and brake (no power
steering or power brakes) must be manually shifted, don't
have air bags, crash protection beams in the doors and so forth.

Practical example: 30-40 years ago the standard workhorse
field vehicle for an ecologist was a Volkswagen Bus with a
4 cylinder engine, manual transmission, no air conditioning,
marginal high speed cornering capability and took 25 seconds
to accelerate from 0 - 60 MPH. Despite it's substantial size and
interior roominess, a VW Bus weighed only 3000 pounds because
it wasn't burdened with all the comfort, convenience and safety
features todays ecologists and activists demand such as a
powerful engine, all wheel drive, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, heavy steel
beams in the doors and dashboard for crash protection, and
so forth.  Now ask yourself: would today's ecologists and
activists in the first world countries be enthusiastically willing
to buy old VW Buses instead of heavy and powerful Subaru's
4Runners and Jeeps to help save the planet if the VW's were
still available? 

[ECOLOG-L] Summer Field Courses at Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre

[Kylee Pawluk]

Summer Field Courses at Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
www.bms.bc.ca

At the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre field, lecture and laboratory work
are combined into unforgettable learning experiences for senior
undergraduates, graduate students and other qualified persons. Courses
investigate diverse topics related to coastal and marine ecosystems and
offer unique opportunities for engaging hands-on learning with instructors
passionate about teaching. Each six-week summer course carries credit
equivalent to a full-year university course, while three-week courses carry
credit equivalent to one half-year university course. Independent and group
research projects allow students to fully experience the scientific method:
observing nature, posing biological questions, formulating hypotheses,
designing experiments, hypothesis testing, and synthesizing conclusions with
existing knowledge.
 
Students from non-member institutions can receive transfer credit through
the University of Victoria .
 
BMSC is a field station on the remote West Coast of Vancouver Island,
Canada.  Owned and operated by five Western Canadian universities (SFU,
UVic, UBC, U of A, U of C), it has offered summer and fall immersion field
courses since 1972.

Courses offered this summer:

Marine Invertebrate Zoology  28 April – 6 June (6 weeks)
Exploration of the ecology, behaviour, adaptations and functional morphology
of Barkley Sound's diverse invertebrate fauna in their natural habitat and
in laboratories.

Evolution and Adaptation in the Interidal 28 April – 6 June (6 weeks)
An examination of the efficacy and strength of natural selection using
intertidal species. Independent and group research projects will focus on
application of theory to variability within species.

Terrestrial & Freshwater Conservation  28 April – 16 May (3 weeks)
This course will examine modern theory and practise in conservation ecology,
with an emphasis on freshwater and terrestrial habitats. 

Marine Conservation Biology  19 May – 6 June (3 weeks)
This course will examine a wide range of human activities which threaten
marine biodiversity and the tools available to marine conservation
biologists to tackle these problems. 

Biology of Marine Mammals  9 June – 18 July (6 weeks)
A survey course covering systematics, physiology, behaviour and ecology of
marine mammals, with special emphasis on local species

Marine Phycology: Seaweed Taxonomy, Evolution and Biodiversity
9 June – 18 July (6 weeks)
An introduction to the taxonomic, morphological, and functional diversity of
seaweeds, with an emphasis on the flora of the local area (southern Barkley
Sound, British Columbia). 

Larval Ecology  9-27 June (3 weeks)
An exploration of the morphological and ecological diversity of marine
embryos and larvae, and adaptations of their complex life cycles.

Biological Oceanography 30 June – 18 July (3 weeks)
Introduction to the organisms of the open sea and coastal zone, their
adaptations to the environment, and the factors that control their
distribution and abundance. Emphasis will be placed on the interdisciplinary
nature of biological oceanography.

Temperate Rainforest Ecology 21 July – 29 August (6 weeks)
An introduction to temperate rainforest ecosystems and their dynamics on
southwestern Vancouver Island (Barkley Sound, Pacific Rim Park, Pachena,
Carmanah areas). 

Experimental Field Biology  21 July – 29 August (6 weeks)
This course provides pratical, hands-on experience in statistics and
experimental design in marine studies with an emphasis on intertidal
systems. We will design and carry out a variety experimental designs in both
field and lab settings.

Crustacean Biology  21 July – 8 August (3 weeks)
The Crustacea comprise one of the largest and most structurally diverse
groups of invertebrates. The lectures in this introductory course will
examine the biology, ecology, and life history of crabs, shrimps, and their
relatives.

[ECOLOG-L] env. readings

[Tamar Vardi]

One of my favorite reads, definitely a conversation starter, is
The Control of Nature by John McPhee. A bestselling account of places in
the world where people have been engaged in all-out battles with nature.
It is a surprisingly easy and engaging read, and especially for new
adults, it really opens your eyes to what kinds of large-scale operations
are undertaken to control our environment. It provides fuel for an
interesting conversation - maybe the biggest question in
'environmentalism' - the dualism of manipulating nature for our benefit
and at the same time to our detriment.


On Thu, 28 Feb 2008, Tracy Bowerman wrote:


When I was 17 my world view was changed dramatically by Gary Snyder's book
of essays, The Practice of the Wild and David Orr's writing (Ecological
Literacy or other books).


- Original Message -

From: "Kraemer, George" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: 
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 1:34 AM
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] summer reading with an ecologic/environmental theme


Our campus theme next year will be "environment."  Although it's defined
broadly enough to include all constituencies, it presents the opportunity

to

reach about 500 freshmen with a back-door campaign of environmental
literacy.

I am soliciting the ECOLOG group for suggestions for pre-college summer
reading with an environmental theme.  It would have to be something that
would capture the minds of 17-18 year olds, and should lend itself to
discussions that might allow diverse discipline to have a say.

Barbara Kingsolver's "Prodigal Summer" or Michael Pollan's books came

first

to mind.  But there must be other things out there that I've missed.

Since

this might be of interest to others, please respond to the list.

GPK
George P. Kraemer
Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology
Chair, Environmental Studies Program Purchase College (SUNY)


__


___



--
Tracy Bowerman
Graduate Research Assistant
Utah State University
Logan, UT

Re: [ECOLOG-L] McDonough - I don't think so

[Paul Cherubini]

In Cuba it's routine to see 40-60 year old cars on the road.
Cuban's realize a car's body and frame can last indefinately 
and all the drivetrain and suspension componets can be
replaced as they wear out. Modern components such as 
engines with emission controls can also be installed
in these old vehicles.

But I don't believe the ecologists and environmental activists 
in the first world countries could stomach driving 30 year 
old, let alone 50 year old vehicles for a variety of comfort and 
convenience reasons such as: they can't accelerate and corner
fast, they take some muscle to steer and brake (no power 
steering or power brakes) must be manually shifted, don't 
have air bags, crash protection beams in the doors and so forth.

Practical example: 30-40 years ago the standard workhorse 
field vehicle for an ecologist was a Volkswagen Bus with a
4 cylinder engine, manual transmission, no air conditioning,
marginal high speed cornering capability and took 25 seconds 
to accelerate from 0 - 60 MPH. Despite it's substantial size and
interior roominess, a VW Bus weighed only 3000 pounds because 
it wasn't burdened with all the comfort, convenience and safety
features todays ecologists and activists demand such as a 
powerful engine, all wheel drive, automatic transmission, 
power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, heavy steel 
beams in the doors and dashboard for crash protection, and 
so forth.  Now ask yourself: would today's ecologists and 
activists in the first world countries be enthusiastically willing
to buy old VW Buses instead of heavy and powerful Subaru's 
4Runners and Jeeps to help save the planet if the VW's were 
still available? 

I think Exxon executives know the answer to that question and 
that's why Exxon predicts the world demand for petroleum and
associated carbon emissions will continue to increase for the 
next 30 years.

Paul Cherubini
El Dorado, Calif.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] ECOLOG-L Digest - 26 Feb 2008 to 27 Feb 2008 (#2008-58)

[Tracy Bowerman]

When I was 17 my world view was changed dramatically by Gary Snyder's book
of essays, The Practice of the Wild and David Orr's writing (Ecological
Literacy or other books).


- Original Message -
> From: "Kraemer, George" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: 
> Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 1:34 AM
> Subject: [ECOLOG-L] summer reading with an ecologic/environmental theme
>
>
> Our campus theme next year will be "environment."  Although it's defined
> broadly enough to include all constituencies, it presents the opportunity
to
> reach about 500 freshmen with a back-door campaign of environmental
> literacy.
>
> I am soliciting the ECOLOG group for suggestions for pre-college summer
> reading with an environmental theme.  It would have to be something that
> would capture the minds of 17-18 year olds, and should lend itself to
> discussions that might allow diverse discipline to have a say.
>
> Barbara Kingsolver's "Prodigal Summer" or Michael Pollan's books came
first
> to mind.  But there must be other things out there that I've missed.
 Since
> this might be of interest to others, please respond to the list.
>
> GPK
> George P. Kraemer
> Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology
> Chair, Environmental Studies Program Purchase College (SUNY)

__
>
> ___
>
>
-- 
Tracy Bowerman
Graduate Research Assistant
Utah State University
Logan, UT

[ECOLOG-L] Hydrology position

[David White]

The following position would work with biologist, chemists, and 
geochemists and utilize the resources of the Mid-America Remote 
Sensing Center and the Hancock Biological Station.


ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, Hydrologist/Hydrogeologist.  Department of 
Geosciences, Murray State University. Applications are invited for a 
tenure-track Assistant Professor level position to begin August 2008. 
The Department of Geosciences offers undergraduate degrees in 
Geosciences with options in environmental geology, earth science, 
earth science teacher certification, geoarchaeology, geographic 
information science (geography) and a Masters in Geosciences focusing 
upon GIS and remote sensing of natural resources. The department's 
academic programs are enhanced by the research capabilities of the 
Mid-America Remote sensing Center (MARC), and the Commonwealth Center 
of Excellence for Reservoir Research (CRR) where water and 
terrestrial research is conducted. The department will soon be 
collaborating with the USGS which is establishing an office on the 
Murray State campus. Qualifications: Ph.D. required. The candidate 
must have excellent teaching skills that include use of modern 
classroom technologies. Must provide evidence of teaching excellence 
and have research potential in hydrology and/or hydrogeology as 
evidenced by publication or other scholarly activity. Experience with 
remote sensing and GIS methodologies is preferred. Post-doctoral 
experience preferred. ABD's with a documented plan of completion by 
date of appointment will be considered. Responsibilities: Teach 
courses in hydrology and/or hydrogeology, introductory courses in 
geology or earth science, and specialty courses. Conduct research, 
pursue external funding and supervise student research at the 
undergraduate and graduate levels. Application Deadline: April 18, 
2008. To Apply: Submit a letter of interest, curriculum vita, 
statement of teaching and research interests, copies of transcripts 
and three letters of reference to Dr. George Kipphut, Chair, Search 
Committee, Department of Geosciences, Murray State University, 
Murray, KY 42071. Phone: 270-809-2847; E-mail: 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Murray State University 
is an equal education and employment opportunity, M/F/D, AA employer.




David S. White

Professor, Biological Sciences www.murraystate.edu/qacd/cos/bio/bio_inf.htm
Director, Hancock Biological Station www.murraystate.edu/hbs
Commonwealth Endowed Chair, CRR www.murraystate.edu/crr
Editor, Journal Kentucky Academy of Science www.kyscience.org

561 Emma Drive
Murray, KY 42071

Phone: 270-474-2272
FAX: 270-474-0120  

[ECOLOG-L] Job Posting: Two Eco-hydrology Technicians at USGS

[Greg Noe]

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

ECO-HYDROLOGY TECHNICIANS

Jud Harvey and Greg Noe are hiring up to two full-time, non-permanent
technicians to work on our research projects in the National Research
Program of the U.S. Geological Survey in Reston, Virginia.  Our research has
the goal of improving scientific understanding of water quality in streams,
wetlands and floodplains as affected by hydrological transport processes in
flowing surface water and ground water, biogeochemical reactions, and plant
and microbial ecology.  The jobs are based in Reston, Virginia, with field
work in several areas of the U.S., including the Florida Everglades, the
Lake Pontchartrain basin in Louisiana, Maple Creek basin in Nebraska, and a
variety of sites within the Chesapeake Bay watershed in Virginia and
Maryland.  Scientific knowledge gained from field sampling, chemical and
physical analyses, and statistical and modeling analyses are considered
essential to successful restoration of these aquatic ecosystems.  More
information on our research is available at: 

http://water.usgs.gov/nrp/jharvey/index.html

Primary duties involve a spectrum of tasks encompassing field data
collection, laboratory analysis of the chemical composition of natural
waters and sediments, database tasks such as entering, transferring, and
checking, summarizing, and preparing of data for quantitative analysis,
analyzing and interpreting data using a variety of statistical and
mathematical models, preparing publication-quality graphics and tables,
preparing presentation materials for international scientific meetings, and
drafting text for reports and publications in scientific journals.  

One technician will focus on chemical analyses including use of a segmented
flow autoanalyzer, CHN elemental analyzer, ion chromatograph, and ICP-OES. 
The other technician will focus on automating the collection of data from
hydrological field instrumentation and analyzing large data sets using a
variety of software and modeling tools.  Appropriate training is necessary
and prior experience is highly desirable. 

Successful applicants will be hired as non-permanent USGS Research
Associates through a contracting agency (such as ETI Professionals Inc.). 
Salary will be commensurate with experience and will include health,
vacation, and sick leave benefits.  Applicants must be recent graduates. 
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and names of two references to Greg
Noe ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) and Jud Harvey ([EMAIL PROTECTED]).  Review of
applications will begin on March 23rd 2008.

[ECOLOG-L] Job Posting Summer Field Assistant Arctic LTER

[Marian in Human Resources]

The Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biological Laboratory is seeking 
applicants for summer field assistant positions on an ongoing ecological 
research project. These positions will be located at the Toolik Field 
Station in northern Alaska. For additional information about the Arctic 
Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) project, visit our website at 
http://ecosystems.mbl.edu/ARC/. Information about the Toolik Field Station 
is available at http://www.uaf.edu/toolik/.   
The following positions will be filled pending funding: 
Chemistry Summer Field Assistant: The successful candidate will 
participate in research on the quantitative and qualitative analyses of 
nutrients in natural water samples. Duties include facilitating chemical 
measurements through the preparation of standards and reagents, and the 
maintenance of instruments for a multi-user laboratory at the Toolik Field 
Station. Some field work is involved. Prior chemistry experience is 
required. 

Streams Summer Field Assistant: The successful candidate will participate 
in research on arctic tundra stream ecosystems at Toolik Field Station. 
Duties will include monitoring physical parameters in streams, collection 
and analysis of water samples, benthic samples and juvenile and adult 
fish. Basic chemistry skills and knowledge preferred. 

Terrestrial Summer Field Assistant: The successful candidate will 
participate in research on tundra ecosystems. Duties include sampling and 
processing plant and soil samples, collection of precipitation and weather 
data, and maintenance of long-term fertilizer experiments and field 
greenhouses. Basic laboratory skills, familiarity with spreadsheet 
software, and some knowledge of plants and soils preferred.   
Basic Qualifications:   Applicants should be recent college graduates, (BS 
or MS) with significant course work and/or field experience in ecology.   
Preferred Qualifications:   Some background in terrestrial ecology, 
soil science, aquatic ecology, hydrology, chemistry, fish ecology and/or 
ecosystems ecology is preferred. 
  
Physical Requirements   Applicants should be in good health, capable of 
rigorous outdoor activity and prepared to live in a field camp where 
cooperation with others is essential, personal privacy is limited, and 
living accommodations are spare and simple.
   
Special Instructions to Applicants: Unofficial transcripts are 
required documents, but may be either uploaded with your Resume and Cover 
Letter or faxed to the Human Resources Office, 508-289-7931. If faxing, 
please reference this posting.   


Apply online at mbl.simplehire.com
An Equal Opportunity Employer

[ECOLOG-L] avian field technician

[Dawn Fletcher]

SEASONAL FIELD BIOLOGIST needed for bird surveys in Lake Mead National 
Recreation Area and Southern Nevada. The work focuses on intensive area 
searches for songbirds, but will also include occasional assistance on 
predatory and aquatic bird monitoring. The efforts will include GPS use, field 
mapping, and computer data entry.  
   
  We are looking for someone experienced with western bird identification by 
sight and sound. You must be able to hike in rugged terrain and collect 
accurate data under challenging field conditions. You must be willing to work 
early morning hours and long field days. For use of our vehicles, you must be 
able to acquire a valid Nevada driver’s license.  
   
  The salary range is $2160 - $2320 per month depending on experience. The 
contract will be for three months, full-time effort, with a starting date 
between March 15 and April 1, 2008. Interested individuals should send a brief 
introductory email, with a resume or CV attached, to Dr. Jef Jaeger ([EMAIL 
PROTECTED]). Please do not hesitate to email if you have any questions.
   

   
-
Never miss a thing.   Make Yahoo your homepage.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] McDonough - I don't think so

[David Bryant]

Just to add some more complexity to this model:

The majority of the mass of an old car is recyclable as scrap ferrous  
metals, the most recycled material in America.  So do we know how  
much energy is saved by the recycling of steel and iron from your old  
car vs. mining and smelting new steel from iron ore?


As long as we're splitting hairs.

David Bryant


On Feb 28, 2008, at 10:27 AM, Amartya Saha wrote:


Hi Jane,
Robert's point was about the resources taken to manufacture a new  
car, hybrid or whatever.. all the metal, glass, plastics, chemicals  
etc, mining those, energy costs to manufacture them, pollution  
costs to the environment and so on, When one discards an old car  
and goes for a hybrid, one has to add all the above costs to the  
benefits of lower emissions per mile.  Its not just C emissions  
that accompany the manufacture of a car, there is a bunch of other  
externalities if one were to track.
Of course, given the necessity of driving for most (In the US), one  
can't run an old car forever, unless one is a mechanic,  
understanding and taking care of every strut, wire and screw. Maybe  
the breakeven in terms of environmental costs of continuing with  
the old car vs. a hybrid may happen in 10 years, I do not know, and  
its very difficult to put $ costs anyway to damage to habitat done  
by resource extraction (mining,drilling etc) and pollution. Thats  
the emerging field of natural resource economics ( thats been  
emerging for at least trhe past 10 years as i'm aware of)..

cheers
amartya



Jane Shevtsov wrote:

Hi Bob,

Can you please cite some numbers to back up your claim? 30 MPG is  
pretty
good (although old cars tend to be worse from the point of view of  
toxic
emissions), but every examination I've seen of the question of  
whether the

improved efficiency of a hybrid offsets the C emissions due to its
manufacture has concluded that the hybrid is better than keeping  
the old

car. (I guess that might not be true if you do very little driving.)

Jane

On Wed, Feb 27, 2008 at 10:08 PM, Robert Fireovid  
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

wrote:


McDonough is like the Toyota ads that would seduce me into  
trading in

my 1994, 30 mpg Prism for a brand new Prius. Considering the
quantities of non-renewable natural resources that are extracted,
transported and transformed into a new car (and the amount of Nature
that is destroyed in its wake), I would have to own the Prius for
over 50 years to "pay back" that resource debt and generate any net
improvement in my environmental footprint.

Young people love (and have taught me the power of) You-Tube. Have
them watch this short spot, "The Story of Stuff," to see what I
mean... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqZMTY4V7Ts

- Bob Fireovid



W. McDonough and M. Braungart's Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the  
way we



make

things (2002) might be interesting for your summer reading  
list.  They
suggest a proactive approach to environmental issues that is  
refreshing,

maybe even hopeful.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] McDonough - I don't think so

[Ashwani Vasishth]

Sure, but McDonough has always argued that the costs of disposal be a factor in 
any life cycle analysis.  Indeed that's the basis for his cradle-to-cradle 
approach.  The only evidence I can find on his own position regarding hybrid 
technology in automobiles is an attribution from 2005 in support of plug-in 
hybrid vehicles (which are substantially different from the Prius, IMO).  See:
 http://www.calcars.org/calcars-news/148.html

Cheers,
-
  Ashwani
 Vasishth[EMAIL PROTECTED]  (818) 677-6137
http://www.csun.edu/~vasishth/



At 10:27 AM -0500 2/28/08, Amartya Saha wrote:
>Hi Jane,
>Robert's point was about the resources taken to manufacture a new car, hybrid 
>or whatever.. all the metal, glass, plastics, chemicals etc, mining those, 
>energy costs to manufacture them, pollution costs to the environment and so 
>on, When one discards an old car and goes for a hybrid, one has to add all the 
>above costs to the benefits of lower emissions per mile.  Its not just C 
>emissions that accompany the manufacture of a car, there is a bunch of other 
>externalities if one were to track.
>Of course, given the necessity of driving for most (In the US), one can't run 
>an old car forever, unless one is a mechanic, understanding and taking care of 
>every strut, wire and screw. Maybe the breakeven in terms of environmental 
>costs of continuing with the old car vs. a hybrid may happen in 10 years, I do 
>not know, and its very difficult to put $ costs anyway to damage to habitat 
>done by resource extraction (mining,drilling etc) and pollution. Thats the 
>emerging field of natural resource economics ( thats been emerging for at 
>least trhe past 10 years as i'm aware of)..
>cheers
>amartya
>
>
>
>Jane Shevtsov wrote:
>>Hi Bob,
>>
>>Can you please cite some numbers to back up your claim? 30 MPG is pretty
>>good (although old cars tend to be worse from the point of view of toxic
>>emissions), but every examination I've seen of the question of whether the
>>improved efficiency of a hybrid offsets the C emissions due to its
>>manufacture has concluded that the hybrid is better than keeping the old
>>car. (I guess that might not be true if you do very little driving.)
>>
>>Jane
>>
>>On Wed, Feb 27, 2008 at 10:08 PM, Robert Fireovid <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>>wrote:
>>
>> 
>>>McDonough is like the Toyota ads that would seduce me into trading in
>>>my 1994, 30 mpg Prism for a brand new Prius. Considering the
>>>quantities of non-renewable natural resources that are extracted,
>>>transported and transformed into a new car (and the amount of Nature
>>>that is destroyed in its wake), I would have to own the Prius for
>>>over 50 years to "pay back" that resource debt and generate any net
>>>improvement in my environmental footprint.
>>>
>>>Young people love (and have taught me the power of) You-Tube. Have
>>>them watch this short spot, "The Story of Stuff," to see what I
>>>mean... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqZMTY4V7Ts
>>>
>>>- Bob Fireovid
>>>
>>>
>>>   
W. McDonough and M. Braungart's Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the way we
 
>>>make
>>>   
things (2002) might be interesting for your summer reading list.  They
suggest a proactive approach to environmental issues that is refreshing,
maybe even hopeful.
 
>>
>>
>>
>> 

Re: [ECOLOG-L] McDonough -Market Demand

[bwmillergk]

 I'd like to also add that until we create a much larger demand for
renewable and green products we will only continue the unsustainable current
trends. Therefore buy the current products while demanding improvements in
technologies to recycle, reduce, and reuse in general.




 

Respectfully,

Bradley W. Miller

PhD Candidate

Dept. of Forestry

Virginia Tech

  Personal Webpage

 
Research Webpage

“Education: that which reveals to the wise, and conceals from the stupid,
the vast limits of their knowledge.” – Mark Twain 

 
 
 
 


-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Amartya Saha
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2008 10:28 AM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] McDonough - I don't think so

Hi Jane,
Robert's point was about the resources taken to manufacture a new car,
hybrid or whatever.. all the metal, glass, plastics, chemicals etc, mining
those, energy costs to manufacture them, pollution costs to the environment
and so on, When one discards an old car and goes for a hybrid, one has to
add all the above costs to the benefits of lower emissions per mile.  Its
not just C emissions that accompany the manufacture of a car, there is a
bunch of other externalities if one were to track.
Of course, given the necessity of driving for most (In the US), one can't
run an old car forever, unless one is a mechanic, understanding and taking
care of every strut, wire and screw. Maybe the breakeven in terms of
environmental costs of continuing with the old car vs. a hybrid may happen
in 10 years, I do not know, and its very difficult to put $ costs anyway to
damage to habitat done by resource extraction (mining,drilling etc) and
pollution. Thats the emerging field of natural resource economics ( thats
been emerging for at least trhe past 10 years as i'm aware of)..
cheers
amartya



Jane Shevtsov wrote:
> Hi Bob,
>
> Can you please cite some numbers to back up your claim? 30 MPG is
> pretty good (although old cars tend to be worse from the point of view
> of toxic emissions), but every examination I've seen of the question
> of whether the improved efficiency of a hybrid offsets the C emissions
> due to its manufacture has concluded that the hybrid is better than
> keeping the old car. (I guess that might not be true if you do very
> little driving.)
>
> Jane
>
> On Wed, Feb 27, 2008 at 10:08 PM, Robert Fireovid
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> wrote:
>
>  
>> McDonough is like the Toyota ads that would seduce me into trading in
>> my 1994, 30 mpg Prism for a brand new Prius. Considering the
>> quantities of non-renewable natural resources that are extracted,
>> transported and transformed into a new car (and the amount of Nature
>> that is destroyed in its wake), I would have to own the Prius for
>> over 50 years to "pay back" that resource debt and generate any net
>> improvement in my environmental footprint.
>>
>> Young people love (and have taught me the power of) You-Tube. Have
>> them watch this short spot, "The Story of Stuff," to see what I
>> mean... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqZMTY4V7Ts
>>
>> - Bob Fireovid
>>
>>
>>
>>> W. McDonough and M. Braungart's Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the way
>>> we
>>>  
>> make
>>
>>> things (2002) might be interesting for your summer reading list. 
>>> They suggest a proactive approach to environmental issues that is
>>> refreshing, maybe even hopeful.
>>>  
>
>
>
>  

Re: [ECOLOG-L] McDonough - I don't think so

[Emilie Stander]

Erin, I agree.  In McDonough's language, I think he
would consider a Prius to be "less bad," which as he
says is "not GOOD, it's just less bad."  His framework
for redesign of buildings and products is much more
comprehensive and radical than a hybrid automobile
design.  He tries to design buildings which "act like
trees," meaning they perform similar ecological
functions, like producing energy from the sun and
cleaning wastewater.  And he advocates using
industrial waste products as "nutrients" for new
industrial processes -- in essence, creating
biogeochemical cycles for industrial products and
wastes (i.e., cradle to cradle, instead of cradle to
grave, grave being a landfill).  He's not your run of
the mill carbon footprint/offset guy.  
 
-Emilie

Emilie Stander
Postdoctoral Associate

--- Erin Scheessele <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> Bob,
> You say "McDonough is like the Toyota ads...".
> Having read Cradle to Cradle, I really don't see how
> your simile is  
> valid. I don't think the Prius even approaches what
> McDonough is  
> calling for in his call for a redesign.. in fact, I
> think he would  
> say the Prius is just efficiency which is a bad
> thing... just slowing/ 
> prolonging the inevitable. I love McDonough's
> extrapolation of  
> "efficiency"... would you want an efficient Nazi?
> Would efficient sex  
> be a good thing? No to both.
> If you came away from Cradle to Cradle thinking the
> Prius is the  
> answer called for in the book, then you need to read
> it again.
> 
>  From a Prius driver, (efficient but sadly not
> effective)
> 
> Erin A. Scheessele
> Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology
> Willamette University
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> 



  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ 

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Fellowship in Ecology

[=?iso-8859-1?Q?Jean_Knops?=]

There is an opening for a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Nebraska 
in population biology with a starting date of June 2008. 

I am interested in hosting a postdoc working either of the following topics.

1. Oak masting 
a. California. Walt Koenig and I have collected a dataset of acorn 
production of more than 1000 individual trees for 9 species at 20 sites 
ranging from San Diego to Redding collected from 1994 on. 
b. Minnesota. At Cedar Creek NHA, we have collected a dataset of individual 
acorn production of bur and pin oak evenly distributed in savanna/oak 
forest burned at different intervals from 1995 on. 

Check the following papers for ways that this data can be used:
Knops, J.M.H., W.D. Koenig & W. Carmen. 2007. A negative correlation 
between growth and reproduction does not imply a tradeoff between growth 
and reproduction in California oaks. Proceedings of the National Academy of 
Sciences 104: in press.
Koenig, W.D. & J.M.H. Knops. 2001. Seed-crop size and eruptions of North 
American boreal seed-eating birds. Journal of Animal Ecology 70: 609-620.
Koenig, W.D. & J.M.H. Knops. 1999. Patterns of annual seed production by 
Northern Hemisphere trees: A global perspective.  American Naturalist 155: 
59-69.

2. Old field succession at Cedar Creek NHA in Minnesota
As part of the Cedar Creek LTER, we have a dataset of plant cover estimates 
of 2100 permanent plots sampled six times since 1983, for plant cover, soil 
C and N, and annually at the field level for insect abundances.

Knops, J.M.H. 2006. Fire does not alter vegetation in infertile prairie. 
Oecologia 150: 477-483.
Grace, J. B., T. M. Anderson, M. D. Smith, E. Seabloom, S. J. Andelman, G. 
Meche, E. Weiher, L. K. Allain, H. Jutila, M. Sankaran, J. Knops, M. 
Ritchie & M. R. Willig. 2007. Does species diversity limit productivity in 
natural grassland communities? Ecology Letters 10: 680-689. 
Haddad, N.M., D. Tilman & J.M.H. Knops. 2001. Long-term oscillations in 
grassland productivity induced by drought. Ecology Letters 5: 110-120.
Knops, J.M.H. & D. Tilman. 2000. Dynamics of soil nitrogen and carbon 
accumulation for 61 years after agricultural abandonment. Ecology, 81: 88-
98.
Haddad, N.M., D. Tilman, J. Haarstad, M. Ritchie & J.M.H. Knops. 2001. 
Contrasting effects of plant diversity and composition on insect 
communities: a field experiment. American Naturalist 158: 17-35.

Please contact me ASAP if you have an interest.
Johannes (Jean) Knops
School of Biological Sciences
University of Nebraska
348 Manter Hall
Lincoln, NE 68588

phone (402) 310-3904
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

[ECOLOG-L] Summer REU Positions in Stream Ecology and Biogeochemistry

[Mia Stephen]

Two Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) positions are available 
in Dr. Jennifer Tank’s Stream Ecology Laboratory as part of the GLOBES 
IGERT program at the University of Notre Dame (the full announcement can 
be found at http://globes.nd.edu/news-and-upcoming-events/reu.shtml).  
Each undergraduate will have the opportunity to conduct research related 
to ongoing projects involving stream ecosystem function and 
biogeochemistry.  Students will gain experience with stream ecology field 
techniques, laboratory methods, data management, and the use of computer 
models through their involvement in one of the two following projects:

•   Restoration of Ecosystem Function in Agricultural Streams: In the 
agricultural Midwest, channelized headwater streams export excess 
nutrients and sediments, resulting in downstream eutrophication.  Two-
stage ditch construction is a novel restoration technique in which 
formerly incised channels are excavated to re-create floodplains on either 
side of the channel.  During storms, restored floodplains are inundated 
and are predicted to increase sedimentation and biological processing of 
nutrients. In partnership with The Nature Conservancy, we are testing the 
efficacy of this restoration technique by measuring denitrification rates 
in the stream channel and on the constructed floodplains. We are also 
measuring continuous whole-stream metabolism, to quantify stream 
bioreactivity and estimate assimilatory uptake of nitrogen.

•   Salmon and watershed timber harvest influence stream dynamics in 
Southeast Alaska: We are studying the functional and biogeochemical 
response of streams to timber harvest legacy and annual salmon migrations 
in Southeast Alaska.  Timber harvest exerts a strong physical influence on 
these streams, while salmon provide a significant nutrient subsidy to the 
biotic communities.  We are using multiple ecosystem metrics (e.g. whole-
stream metabolism, sediment nitrification assays, and nutrient flux 
estimates) to understand the abiotic and biotic drivers of stream 
ecosystem function in response to human and natural disturbance events.

Ideal candidates would be Sophomore/Junior Biology, Ecology, or 
Environmental Science majors with a strong interest in aquatic ecology 
and/or biogeochemistry.  The approximate start date for these positions is 
June 1, 2008 and would last 10 weeks.  For additional information on 
either project, please contact Lab Manager Mia Stephen ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). 

Please submit application materials as indicated on the GLOBES REU 
website: http://globes.nd.edu/news-and-upcoming-events/reu.shtml.  

IN ADDITION, please send a letter of interest and a current resume or 
curriculum vitae to Mia Stephen ([EMAIL PROTECTED]), Department of 
Biological Sciences, 188 Galvin, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 
46556.  Electronic copies are preferred.  Application review will begin on 
March 1, 2008 and continue until the positions are filled. 

[ECOLOG-L] Population Biology Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

[=?iso-8859-1?Q?Jean_Knops?=]

Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (CALL FOR APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!)

The University of Nebraska Program Of Excellence in Population Biology 
announces two-year Postdoctoral Fellowships in Population Biology. The 
successful Population Biology postdocs will bring new skills, new ideas, 
and new excitement to UNL programs. Two Postdoctoral positions will be 
advertised internationally every two years; thus, new highly-qualified 
individuals will regularly join the Population Biology group. Candidates 
will develop a research project with a faculty member associated with the 
Program (see list of core faculty). These positions will provide recent 
graduates the opportunity for independent research in association with a 
growing, integrative, and cross-disciplinary program. Applicant selection 
will be based on a research proposal to work with an established Population 
Biologist at UNL, but once in residence post-docs will be expected to 
interact more broadly with the group and participate in graduate 
instruction through courses and seminars.
 
New opening for a postdoctoral Fellow: applications due May 1, 2008, 
starting date as soon as June 2008. Qualified candidates are encouraged to 
contact potential faculty advisor from the list of core faculty associated 
with the program (http://popbio.unl.edu/corefaculty.htm). A Ph.D. and 
expertise in any aspect of population biology is required. To apply, send a 
CV, a up to 1-page research proposal, 1 page previous research/teaching 
experience and an up to 1 page description of potential graduate seminars 
and arrange for three letters of reference, one of which must be from the 
proposed faculty sponsor, to the Population Biology Post-doctoral 
Fellowship Selection Committee, School of Biological Sciences, University 
of Nebraska- Lincoln, 348 Manter Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0118.
 
 
Closing date is May 1, 2008. Fellowship position will remain open until 
suitable candidates are selected. UNL is committed to a pluralistic campus 
community through Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity, and is 
responsive to the needs of dual career couples. We assure responsible 
accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

[ECOLOG-L] New Book on Stable Isotopes and Wildlife Forensics

[Len Wassenaar]

For those interested in using stable isotopes in wildlife migration 
research (and forensics is laterally relevant here), this forthcoming book 
will definitely be of interest.  Please pass on to any colleagues that may 
find this useful. 

TRACKING ANIMAL MIGRATION WITH STABLE ISOTOPES
Terrestrial Ecology Series,Volume 2, Academic Press 
http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/bookdescription.cws_home/714676/descriptio
n#description


Len

Re: [ECOLOG-L] McDonough - I don't think so

[Amartya Saha]

Hi Jane,
Robert's point was about the resources taken to manufacture a new car, 
hybrid or whatever.. all the metal, glass, plastics, chemicals etc, 
mining those, energy costs to manufacture them, pollution costs to the 
environment and so on, When one discards an old car and goes for a 
hybrid, one has to add all the above costs to the benefits of lower 
emissions per mile.  Its not just C emissions that accompany the 
manufacture of a car, there is a bunch of other externalities if one 
were to track.
Of course, given the necessity of driving for most (In the US), one 
can't run an old car forever, unless one is a mechanic, understanding 
and taking care of every strut, wire and screw. Maybe the breakeven in 
terms of environmental costs of continuing with the old car vs. a hybrid 
may happen in 10 years, I do not know, and its very difficult to put $ 
costs anyway to damage to habitat done by resource extraction 
(mining,drilling etc) and pollution. Thats the emerging field of natural 
resource economics ( thats been emerging for at least trhe past 10 years 
as i'm aware of)..

cheers
amartya



Jane Shevtsov wrote:

Hi Bob,

Can you please cite some numbers to back up your claim? 30 MPG is pretty
good (although old cars tend to be worse from the point of view of toxic
emissions), but every examination I've seen of the question of whether the
improved efficiency of a hybrid offsets the C emissions due to its
manufacture has concluded that the hybrid is better than keeping the old
car. (I guess that might not be true if you do very little driving.)

Jane

On Wed, Feb 27, 2008 at 10:08 PM, Robert Fireovid <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:

  

McDonough is like the Toyota ads that would seduce me into trading in
my 1994, 30 mpg Prism for a brand new Prius. Considering the
quantities of non-renewable natural resources that are extracted,
transported and transformed into a new car (and the amount of Nature
that is destroyed in its wake), I would have to own the Prius for
over 50 years to "pay back" that resource debt and generate any net
improvement in my environmental footprint.

Young people love (and have taught me the power of) You-Tube. Have
them watch this short spot, "The Story of Stuff," to see what I
mean... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqZMTY4V7Ts

- Bob Fireovid




W. McDonough and M. Braungart's Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the way we
  

make


things (2002) might be interesting for your summer reading list.  They
suggest a proactive approach to environmental issues that is refreshing,
maybe even hopeful.
  




  

[ECOLOG-L] question on automatic conductivity/salinity dataloggers

[Dan Cogalniceanu]

Dear All,
   
  I am interested in monitoring changes in conductivity/salinity along the 
Danube-Black Sea canal, i.e. fresh to slight brackish. The problem is that I 
need continuous measurements at a depth of 0.5-1 m along the banks of the canal 
and could not find a robust and small datalogger for this. Any advice is most 
welcomed.
   
  Best regards,
   
  Dan Cogalniceanu 


Dr. Dan Cogalniceanu
Professor
University Ovidius Constanta
bvd. Mamaia 124, Constanta, Romania
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Mobile: +40 741 133 695
   
-
Never miss a thing.   Make Yahoo your homepage.

Re: [ECOLOG-L] McDonough - I don't think so

[Erin Scheessele]

Bob,
You say "McDonough is like the Toyota ads...".
Having read Cradle to Cradle, I really don't see how your simile is  
valid. I don't think the Prius even approaches what McDonough is  
calling for in his call for a redesign.. in fact, I think he would  
say the Prius is just efficiency which is a bad thing... just slowing/ 
prolonging the inevitable. I love McDonough's extrapolation of  
"efficiency"... would you want an efficient Nazi? Would efficient sex  
be a good thing? No to both.
If you came away from Cradle to Cradle thinking the Prius is the  
answer called for in the book, then you need to read it again.


From a Prius driver, (efficient but sadly not effective)

Erin A. Scheessele
Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology
Willamette University
[EMAIL PROTECTED]



On Feb 27, 2008, at 7:08 PM, Robert Fireovid wrote:

McDonough is like the Toyota ads that would seduce me into trading  
in my 1994, 30 mpg Prism for a brand new Prius. Considering the  
quantities of non-renewable natural resources that are extracted,  
transported and transformed into a new car (and the amount of  
Nature that is destroyed in its wake), I would have to own the  
Prius for over 50 years to "pay back" that resource debt and  
generate any net improvement in my environmental footprint.


Young people love (and have taught me the power of) You-Tube. Have  
them watch this short spot, "The Story of Stuff," to see what I  
mean... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqZMTY4V7Ts


- Bob Fireovid


W. McDonough and M. Braungart's Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the way  
we make
things (2002) might be interesting for your summer reading list.   
They
suggest a proactive approach to environmental issues that is  
refreshing,

maybe even hopeful.