ENVR 1301-Jessica Barboza

    Natural resources are the foundation of human survival because they provide food, energy, and materials we use daily. The video Exploring Natural Resources by Jerome explains that these resources are classified as renewable, such as wind, solar energy, and trees, or nonrenewable, like coal, oil, and minerals. Renewable resources can replenish over time, but they may become scarce if consumed faster than they regenerate. Nonrenewable resources, on the other hand, form over millions of years and cannot be replaced within a human timeframe , making their overuse a serious environmental challenge (Jerome, 2017).   Recycling, reusing, and adopting alternatives like synthetics or lighter materials in vehicles help extend the availability of natural resources. These strategies connect directly to sustainability, which focuses on balancing resource use with environmental protection. For example, managing renewable resources like fish or forests requires careful attention t...

  Australia – More Developed Country   Life in Australia is quite comfortable, reflecting a high level of development, with many resources available to people every day .  The birth rate is relatively low , at about 11 per 1,000 people , while the death rate is 7 per 1,000 (PRB, 2024). This results in a slow population growth rate of only 0.4% per year . People live long lives, with men reaching an average of 81 years and women 85 years . Families are small, with women having approximately 1.7 children on average. Additionally, the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita is US$66,260 , showing strong economic stability and access to resources (PRB, 2024). Compared to global averages, Australia has fewer births and higher income, which is typical of more developed countries (Freedman, 2018). You can really see how life, healthcare, and opportunities are very different compared to less developed countries .   Niger – Least Developed Country   Life in Nig...

  Map of Chapter 4 - Energy and Ecosystems: This map shows how energy enters ecosystems, flows through trophic levels, and supports life. It highlights the limits of energy transfer and the role of humans in energy use .     Map of Chapter 7 - Biodiversity : This map explains biodiversity at the species, genetic, and ecosystem levels. It also shows the threats that reduce biodiversity and the strategies for conservation.     Map of Chapter 8 - Biomes and Ecozones : This map presents the variety of terrestrial, aquatic, and human-dominated ecosystems. It emphasizes ecozones, transnational species, and the importance of conservation across borders.       Interconnections   The three concept maps—energy and ecosystems, biodiversity, and biomes—are closely connected because together they explain how life functions and adapts on Earth. Chapter 4 focuses on energy, showing how sunlight enters ecosystems and drives biological processes. Witho...