ECO-PROS Site Index

SITE INDEX WELCOME TO ECO-PROS
ENVIRONMENT OF PLANET EARTH Current Conditions of Planet Earth	Take an environmental journey through Eco-Pros and see what there is to discover.
BIODIVERSITY OF SPECIES Species Diversity Genetic Diversity Ecosystem Diversity Biodiversity Resources	How many total species are there on Earth? How many have become extinct? What is the rate of extinction? What are the causes of extinction? Approximately 2 million species on Earth have been discovered so far. There might be another 98 million we don't even know about! Learn about Taxonomy, the method used to classify species. Scientists warn that biodiversity is being destroyed at a rapid rate; and with it, historical genetic information that is unrecoverable. There are many reasons for this loss of biodiversity, and much needs to be done worldwide to prevent biological impoverishment. Diversity of ecosystems - Definition of an ecosystem is presented with pictures of various types of natural ecosystems and changes to the natural environment from human development. Some areas are entirely devoid of nature due to intense development. Where, then, do the wild things go?
ENDANGERED SPECIES	Who is responsible for the protection and recovery of endangered species before they become extinct? Find out what plants and animals are endangered and the laws in place to protect them.
ECOLOGY Ecology Club Ideas All Things Considered Activity Environmental Impact Studies Activity	Science is an exciting voyage of discovery, and the Earth sciences are helping us to understand our home planet and how we can take better care of it. Ecologists study the interactions between living organisms and their environments. Learn more about "ologists" (such as, ecologist, biologist, geologist) and how you can prepare yourself for work in a scientific field. Ecology Club suggestions are provided for students interested in starting a club. Student internships are available to help start careers in environmental work.
NATURAL RESOURCES Life Sustaining Resources Renewable Resources - and Non-Renewable "Renewable" Resources Non-Renewable Resources Nature Knows Best	Nature provides us with many life-sustaining resources. Which ones do you think we will never run out of?
GREAT LINKS	Summarized links to great informational sites. Links to other great sites can be found throughout Eco-Pros pages. Link at the top of the Great Links page is provided to an alphabetical unsummarized Index of the Great Links.
INVASIVE NON-NATIVE SPECIES	Explanation of why some plants and animals are considered to be invaders of established and well-functioning ecosystems. There are many ways living organisms are introduced to other ecosystems where they can cause great harm. Links are provided to information on invasive species, alerts, problem solving, tips for hobbyists, news articles, and the difficulty in removal of invasive species.
OCEAN HOME Oceans, seas, gulfs, and bays Whales Seafloor Vents	The ocean has been the life support system for living organisms on planet Earth for over 3 billion years. It is in constant motion, covering about 70 percent of the Earth's surface, and it is a massive global weather generator. We call this section Ocean Home because the ocean is home to a vast amount of biological diversity; in fact, more than can be found on land. Links are provided to information on oceanography, ocean species, names of Oceans and Seas of the world, human impacts, pollution, cleanups, wildlife rehab, research, conservation, ocean expeditions, and much more. Scientists have recently discovered superhot vents deep in the seafloor where they expect to find biodiversity at 750°F. Learn about some amazing and bizarre life forms that live in the ocean.
HUMAN IMPACT ON OCEANS	Why do humans treat the ocean like a global garbage dump? The sad and frightening fact is that humans are bringing some species and ocean ecosystems to the brink of extinction. It seems impossible that we could have an effect on the health and stability of such a massive Earth system. You will think differently after reading this section.
CORAL COMMUNITIES Endangered Reefs Artificial Reefs Reef Resources	The importance of coral reef ecosystems. How coral reefs are formed, types, endangered reefs, new methods of creating reefs, images, and resource links. Illegal and harmful practices that are being used to catch and collect tropical species for aquariums. Aquarium hobbyists need to know where their supplies come from and if they were obtained in a lawful and sustainable manner.
WETLANDS Types of Wetlands Wetlands Loss Human activities, Hurricanes and Drought Wetlands Recovery Wetlands Resources Wetlands News	Links to resources for information are found throughout section. Types of wetlands, functions, classifications, destruction of, restoration, grant information, laws, images, activities, and resource links. Read about major wetlands systems that have been devastated. Human activities have left some wetland ecosystems in perilous condition - and the species dependent upon them in danger.
WATERWEBS Earth is a Water Planet Fresh Water - A Precious Resource Rivers of Toxins Managing Our Freshwater Ecosystems	Watersheds, lakes, rivers, streams Links to information on world rivers, free-flowing rivers, stream biology, Wild and Scenic River Act, impurities, restoration, toxic spills.
GRASSLANDS	Grassland and Prairie Ecosystems - Inhabitants of grasslands, and the value of grassland ecosystems in supporting human, plant, and animal life. The Dust Bowl - The Story of the catastrophic 8-year drought and great dust storms that led to a mass exodus from the Great Plains of the U.S.
INSECT RESPECT	Insects are absolutely necessary in the processes of the balance of nature. You will be amazed at the important multitude of functions they perform. So, watch your step!
THE BLUE PLANET	Beautiful image from space of our blue-water planet - our life support system. Links provided to interactive sites that provide current temperature map of Earth, current sea surface temperatures, and NASA's site about Earth's atmosphere.
THIRD FROM THE SUN	Third from the Sun That's where we are - not too close and not too far Living ice cubes, donut-shaped brains, organisms that have been dormant for millions of years and then come back to life! Interesting and fun facts about our amazing planet and its life forms.
SKY WATCH	Exploring the Universe, news and links.
NATIONAL PARKS	The United States has over 380 national parks. Click into the National Park Service site to explore the history, science aspects, educational programs, and opportunities available for visiting the parks and becoming an intern or employee of the park system.
TEACHER RESOURCES Educational News	A huge list of annotated resource links are provided for educators.
RESOURCE DIRECTORIES	Links to mega resource directories, guides, libraries, records search sites, and encyclopedias.
GLOSSARIES AND DICTIONARIES	Links to dictionaries and glossaries; including many related to specialized branches of science. Free dictionary button for your browser, including a Thesaurus for related words and cross-reference. Links to over 1,000 online dictionaries in over 200 languages, with translating dictionary functions, rules of grammar, language tools, language identifiers, and more.
CANADA	Websites from our neighbor Canada. Some are provided in English and Français.
GENETIC ENGINEERING GEe Whiz Foods	Genetic manipulation of living organisms. Resource links to background information on biotechnology, pros and cons on environmental and health risks, political issues, worldwide concerns over labeling of GM foods and the planting of genetically engineered crops.
HEALTH AND SAFETY	Links to news and online information to help keep you and your family healthy and safe. Also see Health categories in search engines and online news websites.
ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS	Links to environmental and worldwide news sites, audio/radio resources.
EARTH'S GUARDIANS	Links to many organizations throughout the world committed to protecting and preserving the environment and biodiversity. Take some time to browse through their websites. These sites are loaded with good environmental information and resources for you to take action to make a difference. Many of them specialize in specific issues (air, forests, climate, animals, rivers, biodiversity, wildlife, conservation, environmental justice, natural resources, organics, ozone, research, rain forests, rare and endangered species, water, science, and general environmental conditions). Are you looking for unique and meaningful gifts that are earth-friendly? Many of these organizations have great suggestions for "green gifts." Your purchases will also help support the organizations and assist them in continuing their environmental work.
GLOBAL WARMING A Heated Debate Earth Would Not Pass the Smog Test! How Much Pollution Can Earth Absorb? Toxins	Whew! What a hot subject, and in much debate throughout the world. Are humans really causing an unnatural warming of Earth's atmosphere, glaciers to melt, and ocean temperatures to rise that could lead to devastating and dramatic changes for life on Earth? Explore the effects of climate change on species and ecosystems. Learn the difference between good ozone and bad ozone. Links to find information on alternative energy sources, atmospheric pollution, state of the air, pesticides, toxins, environmental scorecard, superfund sites, coal-burning plants, and global warming facts, studies and questions.
GLOBAL CHANGE	Summarized links to worldwide research that is being conducted regarding the global environment. Global Environment Outlook, National Council for Science and the Environment, the United Nations, international organizations, committees, programs, research and reports on progress toward global sustainability.
TIPS FOR KIDS AND PARENTS	Inspector Snoopy has some important tips and cautions for you regarding using the internet. We also touch on being selective about what you feed your brain, the excitement of learning, the value of education, suggestions for family time, and having a good attitude and consideration for others. This page is not as boring as it sounds. Check it out and see what we mean.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP THE ENVIRONMENT Sustainable Living at Home School Projects Involving Young People Energy Saving Tips for Home and Business Talkin' Trash Make Your Yard a Wildlife Habitat Help Businesses Get "Green" Buy "Green" - Build "Green" Greening Resources Guide Make a Difference in Your Community	We offer lots of suggestions for ways to help the environment. Click on the graphical image map on "Ways You Can Help the Environment" to find suggestions to help at home, school, community, and within the world of business. Resources are provided to help you find assistance and information you will need. We believe in kids, and think they can play a very important role in effecting good environmental stewardship - but adults need to set good examples and show the way.
PHOTOS PAGE	Plants, animals and habitats picture page (great photographs onsite and offsite).
SEPI UNESCO's "Declaration on the Responsibilities of the Present Generations Towards Future Generations" Time's exclusive on U.N. Global Assessment Heroes for the Planet Challenges we face World Parliament of Children World Environment Day Earth Day Links Humanitarian issues	The Search for Environmental Protection Intelligence Environmentalism - a philosophy or a way of life?
WHAT'S ON YOUR GIFT WISHLIST?	Some important things to think about.
ABOUT US AND ABOUT YOU	Eco-Pros Mission Privacy and Internet Safety Statement
ECO-PROS website contains over 2,000 external hyperlinks to information