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Diatoms are single-celled, photosynthetic protists that grow quickly in warm, sunny waters. They store energy in the form of lipid bubbles. Many researchers think harvesting diatom oil droplets could be an alternative and renewable source of fuel. There are many similarities between the use of red algae in cow food and diatom oil as an energy source. Use what you have learned throughout this portfolio to explore the topic. 1. Review your completed activities. Both your Biodiversity Portfolio Worksheet and Presentation should be submitted to your teacher. As you are submitting your portfolio, consider the following:
a. How did you know what keywords to use in your database search?
b. What was the most difficult part of reading scientific papers?
c. Do you think your solution in this portfolio is the only right solution?
Explain. Now that you've learned a bit more about the solutions to environmental issues, such as using red algae to reduce the methane cows release, it's time to evaluate this solution.
Based on the research that has been conducted, what conclusions did most of the scientists
come to? Even if studies show conclusive evidence that feeding cows red algae can be a good, long-term solution, there are non-science factors to consider before the solution should be put into practice. In this portfolio, we have looked at the direct effect of red algae in cattle food, but there are also other indirect effects. For example, being able to farm algae is a problem, but the next problem is transportation. Cow farms are all over the United States, but A. taxiformis needs a warm, temperate climate in order to grow. In many parts of the country, the algae would either need to be transported to the cow farms or grown indoors in climate-controlled pools.
Both of these use energy and release carbon dioxide. We must consider the amount of greenhouse gases saved (less methane from cows) versus the greenhouse gases produced (growing/transporting algae). If growing the (growing/transporting algae). If growing the algae makes more greenhouse gases than it saves, then this solution won't work. Other economic and political factors to think about include loss of profit to farmers if the food with red algae added causes less weight gain or dairy production. Given the high demand for beef products, what would happen to the price of beef if farmers couldn't produce as much? For any solution aimed at reducing human impact on the environment and biodiversity, many things must be considered.
Experimenting and proving that the solution works at a larger scale is only the first step. A methodology section must be easily understood by others in order to analyze the experiment results. This section also helps anyone who is looking to replicate the experiment to validate any results. It is up to you on how you would want your experiment to be carried out. Remember, this should be an experiment that is testing an improvement idea on your solution. For example, if you decide that feeding red algae to cows is only a solution to a small amount of methane produced, you might want to test the addition of red algae being added to other methane-producing animals.
To determine the keywords to use in a database search, I would first consider the main concepts and terms related to the topic of using diatom oil as an alternative source of fuel. Keywords could include "diatoms," "photosynthetic protists," "diatom oil," "renewable energy," and "fuel source."
The most difficult part of reading scientific papers can vary for different individuals. However, some common challenges may include understanding technical terminology, comprehending complex research methodologies, and interpreting statistical analyses.
No, I do not think my solution in this portfolio is the only right solution. Environmental issues often have multiple solutions, and the most effective approach may depend on various factors such as location, resources available, and economic considerations. It is important to consider different perspectives and collaborate with experts in the field to find the most suitable solution.
Based on the research conducted, scientists have concluded that feeding cows red algae can effectively reduce the methane emissions they produce. Studies have shown that the addition of red algae to cow feed can significantly reduce methane production by inhibiting the gut microbes responsible for methane production.
However, before implementing this solution, non-science factors need to be considered. For example, the feasibility of farming algae and the transportation logistics for supplying algae to cow farms in different regions. The overall greenhouse gas emissions associated with algae production and transportation must be weighed against the reduction in methane emissions from cows.
Other economic and political factors, such as the impact on farmer profits and the potential effect on beef prices, also need to be taken into account. A comprehensive assessment and evaluation of all these factors is necessary to determine the feasibility and sustainability of using red algae in cow food as a long-term solution.
In order to further test and improve the solution, an experiment could be designed to explore the addition of red algae to other methane-producing animals. This could help determine if the intervention is effective beyond just cows and may provide insights into its broader applicability for reducing methane emissions in livestock farming. The experiment should have a clear methodology section that can be easily understood and replicated by others to validate and analyze the results.