Natural Hazards, Mitigation, and Adaptation PDF

Natural Hazards, Mitigation, and Adaptation LEARNING TARGETS 1. Explain how scientific evidence supports the evolving concept of life and its interaction with environmental hazards. 2. Show the different scientific evidences of life through a creative group presentation. 3. Demonstrate an und...

Natural Hazards, Mitigation, and Adaptation LEARNING TARGETS 1. Explain how scientific evidence supports the evolving concept of life and its interaction with environmental hazards. 2. Show the different scientific evidences of life through a creative group presentation. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the Lasallian value of caring for the Earth by writing a personal reflection on how environmental stewardship and disaster preparedness can be integrated into their daily lives.  ESSENTIAL QUESTION "How do the unifying themes in the study of life demonstrate the interconnectedness of living organisms and their ability to adapt to environmental changes, including natural hazards?" MOTIVATIONAL ACTIVITY CLASSROOM BASED DEBATE THE CONCEPT OF LIFE What are the characteristics of life?  THE CONCEPT OF LIFE What are the characteristics of life? BIOLOGICAL PHILOSOPHICAL STANDPOINT STANDPOINT Life is defined as any system Life is the aspect of existence that capable of performing functions processes, acts, reacts, evaluates, and such as eating, metabolizing, evolves through growth (reproduction excreting, breathing, moving, and metabolism). The crucial difference between life and non-life (or non-living growing, reproducing, and things) is that life uses energy for responding to external stimuli. physical and conscious development. PHILOSOPHICAL QUESTIONS: These are the different questions Why is there something rather than surrounding the origin of life: nothing? Is our universe real? Do we have free will? Does God exist? Is there life after death? Can you really experience anything objectively? What is the best moral system? What are numbers? IMPORTANT QUESTION How has Earth changed over billions of years? The earth has changed a great deal over its long 4.5 billion year history. It has gone from a molten ball of elements to a layered rocky planet. Following the emergence of plants, an atmosphere rich in oxygen, supporting a lush green world, has replaced Earth's early atmosphere of methane and carbon dioxide. TREE OF LIFE A diagram showing the basic characteristics of living things  IMPORTANT QUESTION How might the concept of life be important when studying natural hazards? How might the concept of life be important when studying natural hazards? By understanding the evolutionary history of life, scientists can predict how organisms might adapt to new environmental challenges, providing insights into which species are at greatest risk and which might evolve new survival strategies. IMPORTANT QUESTION How did life evolved from simple organisms to more complex ones? Scientific Evidence for Life’s Evolution Did You Know? The evolution of life from simple, single- celled organisms to complex multicellular organisms is a story of adaptation, innovation, and diversification. Over billions of years, life has responded to environmental challenges and opportunities, developing into the vast array of species and ecosystems we see today.  Guardian News and Media (2014) FOSSIL RECORDS Fossils provide important evidence for evolution and the adaptation of plants and animals to their environments. Fossil evidence provides a record of how creatures evolved and how this process can be represented by a 'tree of life', A fish called Tiktaalik that lived 375m years ago already had showing that all species are related strong hind limbs – even though it still lived in water to each other. The fossilized remains of an ancient beast have revealed how prehistoric life hauled itself from the water and took its first unsteady steps along the path that led to four-legged land animals. FOSSIL RECORDS Fossils provide important evidence for evolution and the adaptation of plants and animals to their environments. Fossil evidence provides a record of how creatures evolved and how this process can be represented by a 'tree of life', showing that all species are related to each other. DNA SIMILARITIES Deoxyribonucleic acid (abbreviated DNA) is the molecule that carries genetic information for the development and functioning of an organism. DNA is made of two linked strands that wind around each other to resemble a twisted ladder — a shape known as a double helix. DNA SIMILARITIES DNA evidence reinforces Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by demonstrating that all species are connected through a web of common ancestry. The similarities in DNA between species provide molecular evidence that supports fossil records, anatomical similarities, and other forms of evolutionary data. EMBRYOLOGICAL SIMILARITES Embryos of different species can have similarities that are not visible when the organisms are fully formed. Many of these similarities are homologous features. These features provide evidence that the species are related through evolution. embryos have homologous structures called pharyngeal arches, or gill arches. IMPORTANT QUESTION What do similarities in DNA and embryos tell us about the connections between species? The similarities in DNA and embryonic development provide powerful evidence for the evolutionary connections between species. These shared genetic and developmental traits indicate that different species descended from common ancestors, and over time, evolutionary processes have led to the diversity of life we see today. These connections help scientists understand how species are related and how life on Earth has evolved over millions of years. IMPORTANT QUESTION How does the structure of an organism relate to its survival? STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION A physical structure of an organism influences its function. Other examples of structural adaptations include: The gills of fish. Beaver's large and pointed teeth. Duck's webbed feet. The flexible jaw of a snake. The sharp eyesight and sharp claws (some species) of birds. Frog's strong legs to hop quickly and far. A famous example of a structural adaptation is a giraffe's long neck. The giraffe has evolved its impressive neck so it can eat leaves from the tallest trees.  IMPORTANT QUESTION Why are ecosystems important in understanding the connections between living organisms?  ECOSYSTEM Species are interconnected within ecosystems and rely on each other for survival. Producers are organisms that make their own food by absorbing sunlight and using this energy to thrive. Consumers are animals that eat living things as a means of energy. Ecological pyramids begin with producers on the Decomposers break down dead bottom (such as plants) and proceed through the various trophic levels (such as herbivores that eat plants and animals. plants, then carnivores that eat flesh, then omnivores that eat both plants and flesh, and so on). The highest level is the top of the food chain. ECOSYSTEM Ecosystems understanding are the essential for connections between living organisms because they reveal the complex relationships that sustain life. Through energy flow, nutrient cycles, biodiversity, adaptation, and interdependence, ecosystems demonstrate how all species are interconnected and how the survival of one species often depends on the health and functioning of the entire ecosystem.  EVOLUTION THE PRINCIPLE OF NATURAL SELECTION Organisms that are more adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and pass on the genes that aided their success The principle of natural selection drives adaptation and evolution over time by favoring organisms with advantageous traits that enhance their survival and reproductive success. For example, beetles with better camouflage are more likely to evade predators, leading to a higher prevalence of that trait in subsequent generations. Genetic variation, resulting from mutations and reproduction, provides the diversity needed for adaptation. An evolutionary tree diagram illustrates how species diverge from common ancestors based on their adaptations to environmental pressures. For instance, mammals like whales, bats, and primates evolved from a shared ancestor, showcasing how natural selection shapes the diversity of life. GENETIC VARIATION IMPORTANT QUESTION How do natural hazards challenge the survival of living organisms?  EVOLUTIONARY ADAPTATION DYSRUPTION OF ECOSYSTEM These disruptions can lead to the loss of biodiversity, changes in species distribution, and the extinction of vulnerable species. While natural hazards disrupt ecosystems and can lead to immediate challenges for many species, they also create new environments and selective pressures that can drive evolutionary adaptations, ultimately contributing to the resilience and diversity of life.  EVOLUTIONARY ADAPTATION EXTREMOPHILES There are different classes of extremophiles based on the type of extreme environment in which they thrive. Examples include: Acidophile: an organism that thrives in acidic environments with pH levels of 3 and below. Alkaliphile: an organism that thrives in alkaline environments with pH levels of 9 and above. Barophile: an organism that lives in high-pressure environments, such as deep- sea habitats. Halophile: an organism that lives in habitats with extremely high salt concentrations. Hyperthermophile: an organism that thrives in environments with extremely high temperatures; between 80–122 °C or 176-252 °F. Psychrophile: an organism that survives in extreme cold conditions and low temperatures; between −20 °C to +10 °C or −4 °F to 50 °C. Radiophile: an organism that thrives in conditions with high levels of radiation, including ultraviolet and nuclear radiation. Xerophile: an organism that lives in extreme dry conditions. EXTREMOPHILES This tiny aquatic invertebrate is called a Tardigrade or water bear. It is a highly resistant extremophilic animal, capable of inhabiting a vast range of altitudes, depths, salinities and temperature ranges, commonly found on mosses or lichens. EXTREMOPHILES Deinococcus radiodurans is a bacterium, an extremophile and one of the most radiation-resistant organisms known. It can survive cold, dehydration, vacuum, and acid, and therefore is known as a polyextremophile. The Guinness Book Of World Records listed it in January 1998 as the world's most radiation-resistant bacterium or lifeform. However the archaea Thermococcus gammatolerans is actually the most resistant organism to radiation. EXTREMOPHILES Halobacteria can be found in highly saline lakes such as the Great Salt Lake, the Dead Sea, and Lake Magadi. An optimal temperature for growth has been observed at 37 °C. Halobacterium may be a candidate for a life form present on Mars. One of the problems associated with the survival on Mars is the destructive ultraviolet light. These microorganisms develop a thin crust of salt that can moderate some of the ultraviolet light. Sodium chloride is the most common salt and chloride salts are opaque to short-wave ultraviolet. IMPORTANT QUESTION Can natural disasters also lead to new evolutionary adaptations?  Evolutionary Adaptations to Hazardous Environments Some species have developed remarkable adaptations that allow them to thrive in hazardous environments characterized by extreme conditions, such as volcanic soils or flood-prone areas. These adaptations enable them to withstand environmental stressors and utilize the unique opportunities presented by their surroundings. Cultivated crops here include maize, sorghum, potatoes, pyrethrum, and peas, along with bamboo and eucalypts. In Java, tea is grown on high altitude volcanic soils. Evolutionary Adaptations to Hazardous Environments Rapid Growth and Reproduction: Plants like fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium) are known for their ability to colonize disturbed areas quickly, producing numerous seeds that can germinate in harsh conditions. This rapid growth allows them to take advantage of the nutrient release from volcanic eruptions, promoting a swift recovery of the ecosystem. Evolutionary Adaptations to Hazardous Environments Tolerance to Acidic Conditions: Some plants have developed mechanisms to tolerate acidic soils, such as aloe vera and various types of ferns. They can secrete substances that neutralize acidity or have adapted their root chemistry to absorb nutrients efficiently despite the low pH. Evolutionary Adaptations to Hazardous Environments Deep Root Systems: Many plants, such as Hawaiian silversword, have deep and extensive root systems that allow them to anchor securely in unstable volcanic soils while reaching deeper layers for moisture and nutrients. This adaptation helps them survive in the face of soil erosion and nutrient competition. Evolutionary Adaptations to Hazardous Environments Behavioral Adaptations: Species such as the American alligator can exhibit behaviors like burrowing into the ground or finding shelter in vegetation during floods. This behavior allows them to avoid submersion and predation while waiting for water levels to recede. Evolutionary Adaptations to Hazardous Environments Physical Adaptations: The African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) has developed adaptations such as webbed feet for efficient swimming and a flat body shape to help it navigate through flooded areas. These traits enhance its ability to escape predators and find food in aquatic environments. Evolutionary Adaptations to Hazardous Environments Reproductive Strategies: Some fish species, like the mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis), have evolved to reproduce quickly and in large numbers. They can thrive in temporary pools that form after floods, ensuring that their offspring have a chance to mature before the environment changes again. Evolutionary Adaptations to Hazardous Environments Drought Resistance: In flood-prone areas, some plants, like cattails (Typha spp.), can tolerate both submerged and drought conditions. Their specialized aerenchyma tissue allows them to transport oxygen to submerged parts of the plant, enabling them to survive in fluctuating water levels. Evolutionary Adaptations to Hazardous Environments Salinity Tolerance: Plants like mangroves have adapted to thrive in coastal areas prone to flooding and saltwater intrusion. They possess specialized root systems that filter out salt and can tolerate high salinity levels, allowing them to survive in environments that would be detrimental to most plants. IMPORTANT QUESTION What’s the difference between structural and behavioral adaptations? ADAPTATION WHAT IS ADAPTATION? In biology, adaptation is defined a heritable behavioral, morphological, or physiological trait that has evolved through the process of natural selection, and maintains or increases the fitness of an organism under a given set of environmental conditions. Structural Adaptation and Behavioral Adaptation Structural adaptations are physical features of an organism like the bill on a bird or the fur on a bear. Polar bears have a thick layer of hair called fur all over their body. Fur helps them in maintaining their body temperature. Structural Adaptation and Behavioral Adaptation Behavioral adaptations are the things organisms do to survive. For example, bird calls and migration are behavioral adaptations. Bird migration is a seasonal movement of birds between breeding and wintering grounds that occurs twice a year. It is typically from north to south or from south to north.  IMPORTANT QUESTION How might certain adaptations help organisms survive natural disasters?  ADAPTATION TO NATURAL HAZARDS From plants with deep roots that access groundwater during droughts to animals seeking refuge in higher ground during floods, these adaptations are essential for the survival and resilience of species in challenging environments. Understanding these adaptations can inform conservation efforts and enhance our appreciation for the interconnectedness of life and its responses to environmental challenges.  ADAPTATION TO NATURAL HAZARDS Plants with Deep Roots Surviving Droughts Adaptation: Mesquite trees have deep taproots that can reach groundwater several meters below the surface. This allows them to access water during prolonged dry periods, giving them a significant advantage in arid environments. Their roots can also spread widely to capture rainwater from a larger area.  ADAPTATION TO NATURAL HAZARDS Plants with Thick, Waxy Coatings to Withstand Heat and Drought Adaptation: Cacti have developed thick, waxy skins that reduce water loss through transpiration. They also have modified leaves (spines) that minimize surface area and provide shade, helping them conserve moisture in hot, arid climates.  ADAPTATION TO NATURAL HAZARDS Animals Seeking Higher Ground During Floods Adaptation: In areas prone to flooding, such as those affected by hurricanes, the brown tree snake is known to seek higher ground in trees or buildings to escape rising waters. This behavior allows them to avoid drowning and find refuge until floodwaters recede.  ADAPTATION TO NATURAL HAZARDS Animals with Camouflage or Burrowing Behavior Adaptation: The desert tortoise digs burrows to escape extreme heat during the day and to conserve moisture. These burrows also provide shelter from predators and create a more stable temperature environment.  ADAPTATION TO NATURAL HAZARDS Animals with Specialized Breathing Adaptations Adaptation: The Surinam toad can absorb oxygen directly through its skin while submerged in water, which is beneficial during floods when oxygen levels can be lower due to sediment and debris.  ADAPTATION TO NATURAL HAZARDS Plants with Rapid Growth and Reproductive Strategies Adaptation: Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) can reproduce rapidly through vegetative propagation, allowing it to quickly colonize areas after flooding. Its buoyant leaves and flowers enable it to float on water, maximizing sunlight capture and oxygen production.  ESSENTIAL QUESTION "How do the unifying themes in the study of life demonstrate the interconnectedness of living organisms and their ability to adapt to environmental changes, including natural hazards?"  GROUP ACTIVITY  GROUP ACTIVITY Objective: Reinforce students’ understanding through a creative group presentation that emphasizes different scientific evidences of life.  GROUP ACTIVITY GROUP 1: FOSSIL RECORDS GROUP 2: DNA SIMILARITIES GROUP 3: EMBRYOLOGICAL SIMILARITIES GROUP 4: STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION  SMALL GROUP MEETING You have 15 minutes to plan your presentation. Each group have a maximum presentation of 5 minutes RUBRICS RUBRICS JOURNAL WRITING  INSTRUCTIONS Each student will write a short reflection (on their Earth and Life Science Notebook) on how the Lasallian value of caring for the Earth can be applied in their daily lives, especially in the context of environmental stewardship and disaster preparedness. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!