Emerald Ash Borer and Insectivorous Insects
argumentative Essay
1656 words
Introduction
Predator-prey relationships are complex interactions involving many factors that may influence the stability of each population of species. Avian insectivores and their relationship with the different species of insects they consume is one of these relationships that has become of interest in recent years. Widespread outbreaks of the Southern Pine Beetles in the Southeast, Emerald Ash Borers in the upper Midwest, and Bark Beetles in the Pacific Northwest are killing various tree species in forests including pines and ash. Although some of these insect outbreaks may be able to be controlled with pesticides, introducing such pesticides in long-standing forests could potentially be detrimental to the health of forest and thus their use is not a preferred method of control. As a result, researchers are searching for a biological control agent capable of containing the spread of such pests.
One such control agent of interest among many researchers includes avian insectivores. Often, species of woodpeckers, warblers, and nuthatches occupy the same habitat as these infected trees and as generalists species, consume these insect larvae. Research in the area has focused on three key areas. The first is examining the relationship of the insectivorous birds and the non-native prey. The second is whether the avian species may serve as a biocontrol to either slow or prevent the spread of an insect outbreak thus impacting other species in the community. Finally, determining which methods are the most important in management of these habitats is of importance. This brief literature review will show what the research has shown regarding each of these issues including a discussion of literature gaps and critique.
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...ifying the Impact of Woodpecker Predation on Population Dynamics of the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis). PloS one 8(12):e83491.
Koenig, W.D., A.M. Liebhold, D.N. Bonter, W.M. Hochachka, and J.L. Dickinson. 2013. Effects of the emerald ash borer invasion on four species of birds. Bird Invasions 15: 2095-2103.
Lindell, C.A., D.G. McCullough, D. Cappaert, N.M. Apostolou, and M.B. Roth. 2008. Factors Influencing Woodpecker Predation on Emerald Ash Borer. The American Midland Naturalist. 159:434-444.
Marquis, R.J., and C.J. Whelan. 1994. Insectivorous Birds Increase Growth of White Oak Through Consumption of Leaf-Chewing Insects. Ecology 75:2007-2014.
Haack, R. A., E. Jendek, H. Liu, K.R. Marchant, T.R. Petrice, T. M. Poland, and H. Ye (2002). The emerald ash borer: a new exotic pest in North America. Newsletter of the Michigan Entomological Society 47(3-4):1-5.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that insectivorous birds control prey populations and exert selective pressures that may lead to adaptations, which aid in predator avoidance.
- Explains that the emerald ash borer (agrilus planipennis) is a non-native invader species in the united states.
- Analyzes how koenig et al. (2013) used information from project feederwatch to determine whether three species of woodpeckers and a one-species of nuthatch showed an increase in their population size.
- Explains that lindell et al. (2008) found a significant increase in woodpecker predation based on the species of tree and the condition of the tree.
- Compares the effects of insecticides, bird predation, and a control site to see if there is an impact on the biomass of the plants.
- Opines that habitat management is still a concern despite the trophic cascade between insectivorous birds and emerald ash borers. ash is an important tree from an ecological and economic standpoint.
- Explains that the emerald ash borer is a relatively new, invasive species to forests in the united states, thus the long-term effects on the forest communities hosting them are not fully known.
- Explains that predator-prey relationships are complex interactions involving many factors that may influence the stability of each population of species.
- Asks whether the interaction between insectivorous birds and the emerald ash borer will cause a trophic cascade.
- Explains that the emerald ash borer is a new exotic pest in north america.
Related
- explanatory
- opinion
- Mountain Pine Beetleexplanatory essayThe Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic has become a major problem for North America in the last decade. While only the size of a grain of rice, the MPB has caused massive forest destruction in British Columbia as well as many parts of the United States. According to British Columbia’s government website (2012) “The B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations estimates that the mountain pine beetle has now killed a cumulative total of 710 million cubic meters of timber since the current infestation began”. This damage doesn’t even include the More than 3.3 million forested acres in Colorado that have been affected by MPB since the current infestation began more than a decade ago. (Report on the Health of Colorado’s Forests). These aren’t the first outbreaks of the MBP though, and the beetle itself has been around for over 12,000 years. (D. Six n.d). There have been recorded outbreaks dating back to the 1920’s, but what makes this latest one so severe? (MBP Symp 2003) (p.43). The answer to this question is, a perfect mix of warmer winters, longer, drier summers, and larger, older pine stands.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the mountain pine beetle epidemic has caused massive forest destruction in british columbia and many parts of the united states.
- Explains that the mountain pine beetle can survive anywhere from -11 to -25 degrees fahrenheit, and it has a tremendous adaptation for fighting the cold.
- Cites safranyik, l., a.a. berryman, g.d. amman and r.w. stark.
- Describes hopkins, in the east kootenay region of british columbia. i. life cycle, brood development and flight periods.
- Explains how climate change affects the mountain pine beetle's survival in the summer.
- Describes smith, r.h., langenheim, and barnett, j.r.
708 wordsRead More - Research Assignment on Invasive Species: Asian Long-Horned Beetlesexplanatory essayThe Asian long-horned beetle is an insect that first originated in China, Korea, and Japan(5) It is widely known for attacking many types of trees and destroying trees in rural, urban and suburban communities(³). We didn't want this beetle to invade North America, but through transportation(¹), this beetle found its way here and started to feed on our natural hardwood trees(4). If the Asian long-horned beetle is not stopped, we won't see any fall colours on the leaves of trees(²). Luckily though, there are certain ways to counteract the Asian long-horned beetle, so we can still fight off this pest.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the asian long-horned beetle is an insect that originated in china, korea, and japan. it is known for attacking many types of trees and destroying trees in rural, urban and suburban communities.
- Describes the asian long-horned beetle, which originated in china, korea, and japan. they are borers and phyllophagous and feed on many trees in their region.
- Explains that the asian long-horned beetle has a big impact on our trees in rural, urban and suburban communities.
- Explains that there are ways to counteract the asian long-horned beetle, such as planting more coniferous trees than hardwood trees, and identifying and cutting down infected trees.
- Opines that the asian long-horned beetle is a major pest to our ecosystems. there are ways to counteract it such as burning or chipping the infected trees.
634 wordsRead More - The Logging Industry vs. The Old Growth Forests of the Pacific Northwest and the Northern Spotted Owl.opinion essayThe Logging Industry vs. The Old Growth Forests of the Pacific Northwest and the Northern Spotted Owl.
In this essay, the author
- Compares the pacific northwest's awe-inspiring old growth forests with the endangered northern spotted owl. the northern spotted owl requires many acres old forests to survive due to its scarce food supply.
- Explains that logging is a huge industry in the pacific northwest for obvious reasons.
- Argues that the pacific northwest’s old growth forests and the northern spotted owl should be sacrificed for america's economy, and jobs of the people in the logging industry.
- Opines that if logging ceased in the pacific northwest, it would devastate their lives and they may have nowhere to turn.
- Opines that the economy and quality of living for those who depend on logging should be held in a higher regard than the old growth forests and the northern spotted owl of the pacific northwest.
- Opines that logging restrictions have been placed on the land in british columbia, washington state, oregon, and northern california in the past to ensure that the forests don't disappear too quickly.
- Opines that the northern spotted owl, as a beautiful and important creature, may even adapt to the changing conditions.
753 wordsRead More - Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)opinion essayIt’s not the latest comic book super villain that we’re worried about, here in Northwest Ohio. No, it’s a little green beetle that, since 2003, has been munching its way through our neighborhoods and Metroparks. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) feasts on our Ash trees, leaving us little choice but to spray a bright red stripe or “X” on the trunks of the mortally wounded flora.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the emerald ash borer (eab) has been munching on our ash trees since 2003, leaving us little choice but to spray a bright red stripe or x on the trunks of the mortally wounded flora.
- Analyzes how the irony of thousands of ash trees being cut down this arbor day marks a tragic chapter in the history of metroparks.
- Explains that the eab, an exotic asian pest, was discovered in north america about five years ago, and was spotted in the detroit area during the summer of 2002.
- Opines that once an emerald ash borer infests an area, it is 100 percent fatal.
- Explains that five species of ash are slated for removal from the pearson and oak openings metroparks. if the infested trees are removed in time, the number of airborne beetles can be drastically reduced.
- Explains that there are intense methods for trees that we won't be able to remove in time to prevent the emerging adult eabs from laying their eggs.
- Explains that the ohio dept. of agriculture's melissa brewer clarifies the natural spread of the eab. the half-mile radius for eradication comes from a plan handed to the oda.
- Explains that insecticides have been considered but were dubbed ineffective on areas of eradication. pearson is considered the easternmost point in which the eab has been discovered in ohio.
- Opines that dr. tramer sees no right vs. wrong ethical issues in this situation. there are no bad guys here, but differing opinions on what might work.
- Explains that the oda has scheduled two upcoming open houses for wednesday, may 4, 2005 from 6-8pm at the north baltimore library, located at 230 n. main st.
1124 wordsRead More - The Salton Seaexplanatory essay8. Taylor, Dan. 1998. Audubon Society Inspired to Action by Bird Die -offs . 17 Jan. 1998 . E-mail . Available bkus@sunstroke.sdsu.edu
In this essay, the author
- Describes the salton basin, a below-sea-level depression that extends from palm springs to the gulf of california.
- Describes the salton sea state recreation area as a popular sport fishing site, populated by birds, and migratory birds along the pacific flyway.
- Explains that the salton sea contains 7.3 million acre-feet of water and has a water surface level of 227 feet below sea level. by the 1980s the water level rose greatly and gave way to abandoned businesses, deteriorating structures and empty beaches.
- Explains that the new river is the "most polluted waterway in the nation" due to its raw sewage, agricultural drainage water, and powerplant effluent.
- Opines that the salton sea is an important place because of its intrinsic value. it is a natural library of knowledge.
- Explains that the saltine sea is home to 450,000 ducks, 30,000 snow and rose s geese, and numerous species of waterfowl.
- Explains that the salton sea is the fastest boat racing lake in the nation because its salt content causes vessels to be much more buoyant and its high atmospheric density causes engines to perform more powerful than on other lakes.
- Explains that the salton sea is a sacred site for the cahuilla indian tribe. art lopes, the chairman of the torres-martinez band, expressed his concern and the concern of others regarding the salton sea and its desperately needed restoration.
- Explains that the salton sea's inflow comes from four sources: the new river, the alamo river and the whitewater river.
- Explains that ecosystems provide a service or benefit to human societies as well. nature has been stomped over in the march toward human advancement, and its wonderful possibilities and importance have been ignored.
- Explains that the ecosystem in the salton sea is greatly deteriorating at a substantial rate due to deadly parasites, selenium, botulism, new castle disease, and eutrophication at an unprecedented rate.
- Explains that the salton sea has been the site of several major die offs over the past five years.
- Explains that in the summer and fall of 1996, more than 14,000 fish-eating birds including 1,4000 endangered california brown pelicans died due to avian botulism.
- Explains that cultural eutrophication occurs when large amounts of plant nutrients are fed into the water from agriculture drainage and run off.
- Explains that agricultural drainage from the imperial valley brings high levels of selenium and salts. birds feeding in the salton sea area are at risk.
- Explains that the ecosystem in the salton sea area is greatly deteriorating at a substantial rate.
- Explains that the salton sea is an environmentalist's nightmare due to a myriad of deadly chemicals from surrounding agriculture, mexicali s sewage and agriculture waste, technological inadequacy, and government lack of regulations regarding the agricultural industry.
- Explains that the salton sea area is embraced with native american spirituality and it's a sacred site to themselves as was to their ancestors.
- Explains that the salton sea has been ignored and left for dead for a substantial period of time. it is out of sight from heavily populated roadways and cities.
- Opines that it is surprising that so little research has been done on the sea. at the salton sea symposium ii last month, many spoke of the very minute amount of biological and especially ecological research done in this area.
- Opines that now that we have identified the problems of the salton sea, we must find a solution. but who is responsible for the clean-up?
- Explains that five groups hold the prominent and most influential role and responsibility for the restoration of the salton sea.
- Explains that the army corps of engineers for civil works is the oldest agency for environmental protection in the us.
- Explains the torres-martinez band of cahuilla indians, whose role will be to ensure that all actions for improving the salton sea are acceptable.
- Describes the interests of the state water resources control board in the areas of water, fish and game, boating, and state water ways to and from the salton sea.
- Explains the u.s. fish & wildlife service's management of the salton sea refuge, making sure actions do not jeopardize endangered species as well as the national environmental policy act regulations and compliance.
- States that the national environmental policy act (nepa) established in 1969 requires all federal agencies to consider the values of environmental preservation and prescribes procedural measures to ensure that those values are in fact fully respected.
- Explains that ecotourism is a new craze shaping what people do in natural settings.
- Explains that ecotourism is becoming a new way for people to enjoy time with others while being surrounded by peace and tranquillity.
- Opines that the salton sea's technical problems are the most prodigious. the saltinity levels are too high, raw swage from the new river, ddt, selenium, various forms of bacteria, and eutrophication.
- Explains that many organizations and individuals are responding at an alarming rate to the sea's terrible problems.
- Explains that the value of the 240,000 acre sea has increased, as 95 percent of california s wetlands have been destroyed.
- Explains that the salton sea is 25 percent saltier than ocean water and serves as a sump for agricultural drainage from the coachella, imperial and mexicali valleys.
- Explains that there are five predominant diseases found in the sea which increase its lethality ever more.
- Explains that eutrophication is changing the ecosystem because plants and fish need light and nutrients to maintain a healthy existence. botchulism is affecting ducks and birds.
- Opines that the current interest in cleaning up the salton sea and lowering the salinity levels is the first to be addressed due to the most deadly parasite, amyloodinium ocellatum.
- Opines that there is an abundance of people that are eager about seeing that the salton sea is restored. everyone must work together for an exemplary and sustainable solution that incorporates ideas from biologist and ecologist, engineers, local indigenous knowledge systems and the community.
- Describes the three major problems, namely high salinity, unstable surface elevation, and mass contamination of the water.
- Explains that there have been numerous proposals in the past twenty-five years to clean and manage the salton sea.
- Proposes that sea water be pumped to a receiving body of water like the gulf of california, laguna salada in mexico, the pacific ocean, or some other water sink.
- Explains the concept of a dike impoundment, wherein water flows into the sea through gated inlets, concentrates it through evaporation, and stores the removed solids for an indefinite period.
- Argues that the combination of the diked impoundment and the pump out method would enhance both the management and address elevation and salinity.
- Opines that removal of salt inflows before entering the sea would reduce these concerns and costs, but moving millions of tons over mountain ranger would be expensive and disposal would have environmental and political consequences.
- Explains that water import option reduces salinity by dilution with fresh imported water from other sources like the colorado river.
- Explains that the salton sea authority, bureau of reclamation, the state of california and other interested parties evaluated the proposals.
- Opines that more biological research needs to be done on the salton sea, and that it will take an enormous public commitment to protect and restore the sea.
- Explains the introduction of the "sonny bono memorial salton sea reclamation act", a landmark environmental legislation to restore this fragile ecosystem in southern california.
- Concludes that without addressing the above mentioned issues, any proposal or option will fail disasterably and waste time, money, and the lives of all gods creatures that call the salton sea their home.
- Cites gretchen c. daily, susan alexander, paul r. ehrlich, larry goulder, jane lubchenco, pamela a. matson, harold mooney, sandra postel, stephen h. schneider, david tilman, george m. woodwell.
- Explains that gingrich, mary bono joins the salton sea task force in unveiling the "sonny bon
- Explains kellert, s.r., and e.o. wilson, 1993, the biophilia hypothesis.
- Describes the salton sea authority and bureau of reclamation's 1997 brochure, "attractions and challenges".
- Explains taylor, dan. audubon society inspired to action by bird die-offs.
- Describes the salton sea authority and the california state water commission's presentation of a salton sea symposium ii.
5236 wordsRead More - Invasive Speciesexplanatory essayZipkin, Elise F., Kraft, Clifford E., Cooch, Evan G., and Sullivan, Patrick J., “When Can Efforts to Control Nuisance and Invasive Species Backfire?,” Ecological Applications, Vol. 19, No. 6 (2009): 1585-1595, accessed October 11, 2013. http://www.jstor.org/stable/40346271.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the asian longhorn beetle decimated new york and new jersey forests in 1996, causing the cutting of 10,000 trees and quarantine of 109 miles.
- Explains that invasive species only started to show up in the united states when the europeans arrived in 1492 after columbus discovered north america.
- Explains that the great lakes were the building block of invasive species invading the waterways of north america due to interconnection of the lakes, streams, and rivers.
- Explains that in the early 1800s, 25 invasive species were documented in great lakes. the majority were brought in through the water pathways by the use of boats.
- Explains that the welland canal created more connecting routes between the great lakes and allowed larger boats to make their way upstream into the lakes.
- Explains that cars, planes, and trains have been alternative methods for the spread of invasive species. the majority of insects and plants use this form of transportation by accident ending up in unfamiliar environment.
- Explains that the united states government has started to enforce laws to prevent the spread and bringing of invasive species in the us.
- Explains that even though scope didn't completely succeed in its goal, some of the ideas helped prevent invasive species from getting into the environment.
- Opines that eradication of non-native species might never occur. invasive species have changed the environment in the great lakes greatly allowing diversity and the killing off of many native species.
- Explains that bioeconomics of invasive species integrating ecology, economics, policy, and management. oxford university press, 2009.
- Explains mooney, harold a., and hobbs, richard j. invasive species in a changing world. newman, andy, niskern, diana.
- Explains the united states department of agriculture, forest service, pacific southwest region, 2012.
1373 wordsRead More - Killer Bees: The American Invasionexplanatory essayInvasive species have a variety of impacts, many of which are unpredictable. The Africanized honey bee (also known as the “killer bee” in the media community or apis mellifera scutellata among scientists) provides an excellent case study of how even an intentionally introduced invasive species can become uncontrollable and problematic.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the africanized honey bee is an excellent case study of how even an intentionally introduced invasive species can become uncontrollable and problematic.
- Explains that honey bees are a non-native species in both north and south america. the brazilian geneticist warwick kerr transported queens from africa to brazil in 1956 for colonization.
- Explains that africanized bees resemble their african parents more than their european parents in mitochondrial dna, morphometry, hemolymph proteins, biochemistry of cuticular hydrocarbons, and behavioral characteristics.
- Explains that as ahb spread throughout the americas, the effects have been multifaceted and far-reaching.
- Explains that honey production has suffered because of the swarming and absconding tendencies of ahb colonies. beekeepers in the united states have become somewhat wary of apiculture.
- Explains that honey is an economic linchpin that pollinates $10 billion worth of crops every year in the united states. pollination has suffered with the increased colonization of ahb.
- Explains that ahbs pose a health threat because they attack quickly and in great numbers, and victims suffer multiple stings at once.
- Explains that although ahb are problematic in the united states, several methods exist to control existing populations and prevent further spread of this invasive species.
- Explains that the united states provides a legal basis for regulating the importation of bees with the honeybee act and the plant protection act.
- Explains that frequent requeening and drone-flooding have shown favorable results in removing ahb populations in the united states.
- Explains that educating the public is another effective method of controlling ahb populations and their effects. western states have been particularly successful in raising citizen awareness and understanding.
- Explains the history of the introduction and spread of ahb species in the americas shows how even intentional importation and experimentation of invasive species can become problematic.
- Explains that ehb and ahb are physically distinct, though not to the untrained eye. the time spent in each of the four stages of development (egg, larva, pupa, and adult) is shorter.
- Explains that ahb and ehb colonies are divided into castes consisting of queens, drones and workers.
- Explains that the ohio state university extension fact sheet on entomology is available at http://ohioline.osu.edu.
1903 wordsRead More - The Yellow Starthistle Plantexplanatory essayYellow Starthistle also has an effect on nature. “Yellow Starthistle infestations may reduce wild life habitat and forage, displace native plants, and decrease native plant and animal diversity” (S...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that yellow starthistle is considered one of the most serious rangeland, grass, and wildlands weeds in the northwestern united states. it spreads very quickly and grows in any climate which makes it difficult to manage.
- Explains that yellow starthistle is poisonous to horses and causes nigropallidal encephalomalacia, which causes the horse to lose its ability to swallow.
- Explains that yellow starthistle infestations may reduce wild life habitat and forage, displace native plants, and decrease native plant and animal diversity.
- Explains that as centaurea solstitalis, also known as yellow starthistle, takes over california, many people are trying to slow and hopefully stop the spread of this invasive plant
- Explains that the california department of food and agriculture is dedicated to stopping the yellow starthistle from spreading and the impact that other invasive species have on the community.
- Explains that integrated weed management plans out where the majority of the weed is and how they are going to execute it.
- Explains that the change group is going to go to oakland and work on pulling out the yellow starthistle weed to make sure it is taken out before it can spread to more places.
- Explains that yellow star thistle has covered about one tenth of california. it also affects its recreational values by invading campgrounds and reducing biodiversity.
- States that yellow star thistle is a serious cause for economic loss in rangeland, displaces vegetation and degrades the quality and economic utility of public wild lands, roadsides, and recreational areas.
- Explains that yellow star thistle affects native wildlife, which depends on threatened plants for food and habitat, reducing their resources.
- Explains that it's one of the most famous and a plant that has invaded over 10 million acres in california.
- Explains that the yellow star thistle is destroying the land and destroys anything in its way. the loss of land value and forage production can be dramatic due to soil moisture depletion on native plants.
905 wordsRead More - Conquering North Carolina's Endangered Avesexplanatory essayTo solve habitat destruction, North Carolina is restoring the habitats of birds. Restoration involves vegetation control, limits on pesticides and other chemicals, and protection of the habitats (All). Space was one of the four essential elements for a habitat. The tremendous vegetation growth crowded the bi...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that north carolina has nine birds that are listed as fe, federally endangered, and five birds, which are threatened. the bald eagle and northern saw-whet owl are endangered due to habitat destruction, hunting/poaching, lack of food, etc.
- Explains that a habitat is the natural environment for an organism. birds can live in many different habitats, from suburban and urban environments to very specific environments. habitat destruction is due to human activities, pollution,
- Explains that north carolina is restoring the habitats of birds to solve habitat destruction.
- Explains that pesticides and other chemicals polluted the bird's water and air. limiting the use of the substances greatly decreased the pollution in the air and water.
- Explains that the largest source of habitat destruction is human activities. north carolina has designated areas for bird habitats and works with landowners to help protect the bird's homes.
- Explains that the ivory-billed woodpecker is one of the endangered birds due to habitat destruction. only a handful survived going into the 20th century and were thought to go extinct.
- Explains that captive breeding is the process of breeding animals in human controlled environments with restricted settings, such as wildlife reserves, zoos, and other conservation facilities.
- Explains that the american peregrine falcon, a fe bird, was captive breed in chimney rock in the early 1960's.
- Explains that the cause of fe and ft birds is lack of food, which is caused by competition, pesticides, and pollution.
- Explains that the bald eagle is ft due to lack of food and the loss of nesting habitat.
- Opines that north carolina is ready to conquer the endangered aves by restoring habitats, captive breeding, and laws and regulations.
- Cites "all about birds." habitat management. n.p., 2007. web. 27 may 2014.
- Describes the four essential elements of habitat.
- Explains that "protected wildlife species of north carolina." n.c. wildlife resourcescommission, feb. 2014. web. 30 apr.
- Explains that the annenberg foundation's unit 9: biodiversity decline // section 7: habitat loss: causes and consequences.
1215 wordsRead More - The Reason For Bombus Affinis Drastic Populationexplanatory essayAlthough the reason for Bombus affinis’ drastic population decline is unknown, current threats, such as pathogen spillover, habitat loss and pesticide use are detrimental to the current population (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2016). These threats also only affect individual colonies and populations and not necessarily the whole range of the Bombus affinis
In this essay, the author
- Explains that although the reason for bombus affinis’ drastic population decline is unknown, current threats, such as pathogen spillover, habitat loss and pesticide use, are detrimental to the current population.
53 wordsRead More