3 Unit 3: Life on Earth – Our Nonhuman Kin

“Minds of Their Own: Animals are Smarter Than You Think.” Virginia Morell and Jennifer S. Holland. National Geographic, vol. 213, no. 3, March 2008, pp. 36–61.

*Note: This link requires a college or public library account with access to the Ebscohost database.

Abstract: The article focuses on the cognitive processes of animals. Attention is paid to scientist Irene Pepperberg’s study of an African Gray Parrot and the notion that animals can think. Signs of higher order mental abilities documented by behavior ecologists are mentioned, including good memory, understanding grammar and symbols, self-awareness, and creativity, which have been documented in animals, including border collies, crows, and dolphins.

• Supplement: “What are Animals Thinking and Feeling.” Carl Safina. Ted.com, 2015 (19 minutes).

Abstract: Using discoveries that span ecology, biology and behavioral science, ecologist Carl Safina weaves together stories of whales, wolves, elephants and albatrosses to argue that just as we think, feel, use tools and express emotions, so too do the other creatures that share the Earth with us.

“Charles H. Turner, Pioneer in Animal Cognition.” Hiruni Samandi Galpayage Dona and Lars Chittka. Science, vol. 370, no. 6515, 2020, pp. 530–531.

*Note: This link requires a college or public library account with access to Science.

Abstract: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Charles Henry Turner (1867–1923) established a research program that was in sharp contrast to prevailing ideas regarding animal behavior and cognition. Despite facing almost insurmountable barriers because of his African American ethnicity, he published more than 70 scientific papers. But his discoveries and conceptual advances failed to gain the recognition they deserved, and his works were later all but forgotten—until recently.

“Ethnobotany in the Nepal Himalaya.” Ripu M. Kunwar and Rainer W. Bussmann. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, vol. 4 no. 24, 2008.

Abstract: Indigenous knowledge has become recognized worldwide not only because of its intrinsic value but also because it has a potential instrumental value to science and conservation. In Nepal, the indigenous knowledge of useful and medicinal plants has roots in the remote past. The present study reviews the indigenous knowledge and use of plant resources of the Nepal Himalayas along the altitudinal and longitudinal gradient. Strengthening the wise use and conservation of indigenous knowledge of useful plants may benefit and improve the living standard of poor people.

“6 Ways Mushrooms Can Save the World.” Paul Stamets. Ted.com, 2008 (17 minutes).

Abstract: Mycologist Paul Stamets lists 6 ways the mycelium fungus can help save the universe: cleaning polluted soil, making insecticides, treating smallpox and even flu viruses. One of the most watched TED talks with nearly 14 million views between the Ted website and YouTube.

• Supplement: Fantastic Fungi website.

Abstract: This multimedia website includes a fungi news journal, an photo-illustrated fungi field guide, experimental virtual reality animation videos, and the trailer for the full-length Fantastic Fungi documentary film.

“Extremophiles: Resilient Microorganisms that Help us Understand Our Past—and Future.” Jaz L. Millar. The Conversation, 10 August 2021.

Abstract: In the depths of the ocean, in volcanic springs, under four meters of ice: almost anywhere scientists can think of to look for life on Earth, we have found it. The methods these microorganisms employ to survive the extreme have taught us how to protect our bodies better, how to copy DNA to better diagnose illnesses and how life survived 100 million years of a global Ice Age.

Case Study: Interactive Media

“Bear 71.” Jeremy Mendes, Leanne Allison, and the National Film Board of Canada. 2012 (20 minutes).

Abstract: “Bear 71” is the true story of a female grizzly bear monitored by the Canadian wildlife conservation offices from 2001–2009. She lived her life under near constant surveillance that was tracked and logged as data. The resulting interactive documentary illuminates the ways that science sees the world as data, qualifying and quantifying everything, rather than experiencing and interacting. The grainy images gathered from motion-capture cameras over 10 years by various scientists reveal the hidden life of the forest.

Atlas of Common Freshwater Macroinvertebrates of Eastern North America. National Science Foundation, 2019.

Abstract: This reference atlas developed from a larger collaboration among scientists from multiple universities (the Learning to See, Seeing to Learn project) is an interdisciplinary research and development effort to create an innovative new kind of teaching and learning resource for aquatic insect identification to support citizen science identification activities. This National Science Foundation supported project brings together expertise in entomology, learning sciences, software engineering, water quality biomonitoring, and design.