ISCI 361 is a perspectives level course that fulfilled the Scientific Reasoning perspective as it focused on topics such as biodiversity and conservation while also exploring the global issues related to those topics. We also talked about the loss of biodiversity in the world as well as habitat loss and endangered species. In order to protect the environment and the many diverse species around the world, humans have put into place many environmental laws and policies like the Endangered Species Act as well as created organizations like the World Wildlife Fund that work to inform the public. Throughout the course we did reading related to the topics discussed in class and conducted our own mini case studies to further develop our own understanding of the global issues we were studying.

Stella Morris, Winter Intersession 2020: Above is a copy of one of my mini case studies that I conducted during this course on the topic of the Leatherback Sea Turtle which is listed as an endangered species. Throughout the presentation, I discuss the many threats facing this particular species of sea turtle as well as the legislation in place to protect them.

Reflection: This course opened my eyes to the many global issues surrounding biodiversity and conservation. I thoroughly enjoyed the content covered in the readings and the lectures, but what I enjoyed most was conducting each mini case study because it allowed me to get an even better understanding of the impact of biodiversity loss and conservation efforts on endangered species. When researching for my presentation on the Leatherback Sea Turtle (featured above), I learned so much about the threat humans pose to these creatures because of their greed and it made me want to help save these creatures from extinction. I also found it heartbreaking to see the images of the sea turtles caught up in nets and dying, all due to human interference in the natural world. I hope to continue to stay informed about the environmental and conservation issues throughout the world today and wish to use what information I have learned in this class to inform my future students of their responsibility in protecting the planet and its many inhabitants.