Index 1. How can we help the environment in our everyday life? (Essay)
2. Inspirited yourself with Haikus of the environment
3. Guanaco: King of the Andes
Essay If someone asks you about the environment most of you will say: ¨ sorry I do not care about it or ¨Helping the environment is wasting time and it is expensive, I will not do it¨. Well here are some reasons why we need to protect the environment and examples of little things that we can do in our everyday life. The idea that is going to support the essay is that: ´with little things we can make big changes´. And remember that they impact we have in the environment can change our lives, it can change for good or for bad, it depends on us, it is our planet and it is our responsibility to take care of it.
Generally people think that going green is expensive, but it is not, you just need to do little things and it is completely the opposite, trying to save the planet is another way to save money for example using bikes instead of cars help reducing contamination, but it also helps you to keep your health, because gasoline not only contaminates the air, it also generates respiratory illnesses. Riding bikes is also a way of making exercises and keeping stress out. So you can help the planet, keep yourself healthy and keep stress out all in one thing. Now you see that taking care of the environment is easier than you think.
As you can see energy is everywhere, we use it to jump, shout, to use the computer and also when we run and walk. We need to use it in a responsible way and one example of it is the solar panels. Solar Panels capture the sun's energy using photovoltaic cells do not need direct sunlight to work; it can still generate some energy on a cloudy day so using these panels is a way to use an energy that is renewable and more eco-friendly.
One of the simplest things that we can do is changing the bulbs into LED light bulbs; making this change we are limiting the emission of gasses that can cause the depletion of our ozone layer. You can think that because you make this you are not making a big change.
Using an eco-bag is better than using a plastic bag, because the second one takes thousand years to discompose and is more harmful to the environment and little actions can change a lot.
As you can see going green and helping the environment is easier than you think and it also helps you to save your money, so now you do not have any excuses for not helping the environment. And always remember that with little things we can make big changes. Taking care of the environment is responsibility of all of us. We are the ones that are the ones that are going to live here in earth, so how would you like your home to be? Ariana Flores Duran
A new way to see wildlife
Did you know that science has a lot of “branches”, and that each one of them studies a different topic, and no matter what, it´s still science? Probably you'll say yes. Science is a universal element that you can use to investigate about many topics, for example: chemistry studies the chemical reactions and compounds that exist in nature; the taxonomy studies the specific origin of each specie, etc. You see? Now, we will like to introduce to you almost unknown Peruvian specie, similar to the famous vicunas, but not the same: the guanaco.
The guanaco is a very interesting animal, and on it depends many of activities that the people of the highlands do, like the manufacturer of woolen clothes. The guanacos are one of animals that live in the heights and trees to survive with all of its hard conditions. That´s why we chose it; is an example of strength and resistance in the hard climate conditions that exist in the Peruvian Andes.
This animal is on extinction and if we don’t take care of it, maybe this specie will disappear. This fact will change totally our style life, starting with the reduction of the revenue for the factories; and also it would change the food chain.
We wanted to know a professional opinion, about how this specie helps or is involved in its ecosystem, so we asked to our Biology teacher, Miss Isabel Bulnes; about these topics. She is an expert in biology in general, but also knows a lot about Peruvian species. It’s important to us that you are correctly informed, so, if you want, you can read the interview, that’s posted with the article below.
Guanacos, as you can see if you read our article, are part of unique South America´s wildlife; and we’ll try to keep it in that list as long as is possible. Reading our article will help you understand this specie situation, and that will make you want to help them; and you won’t notice, but you’ll be suddenly being part of a big, generous cause: preserving not only Peruvian, but Latin America’s wildlife.
The Guanaco: The King of the Andes Characteristics: Guanaco or Lama Guanicoe is a ruminant mammal that lives in all South America, specifically in Peruvians Andes. The name comes from the Quechuan “wanaku”. Like many other native species, the guanaco is in danger of extinction, for many reasons and as they are an important part of Peruvian biodiversity, it´s our duty to take care of them. Guanacos are known for looking like vicunas, or lamas, but they have a few own characteristics that make them unique. For example, the guanacos and vicunas are wild animals; lamas and alpacas are domestic species. Also, the guanacos are probably the most ancient species of their kind. A proof for that are the ceramics found in many tombs of ancient cultures, like Chavin, Tiahuanaco or even the famous Incas. Physically, the guanacos have the following characteristics: from the snout to the tail, the guanaco is 2 meters and 40 centimeters long. It´s eyes are from a black color, and very big. Also, it´s ears are large and the upper lip is divided into to, for better chewing of the hard grasses of the highlands. It´s fur is reddish, almost orange and only around it´s lips, ears, belly and legs the color is darker. Guanacos live all the way down of South America, from Peruvian mountain range to the Patagonia in Chile and Argentina, passing through Bolivia and Paraguay. In these countries, there
are four sub-species that live in different areas, according to weather conditions and other factors. They are: - Lama guanicoe cacsilensis: It lives in Peru ND Bolivia, and it’s the only one that´s totally wild. - Lama guanicoe guanicoe: It lives in the Patagonia and in Tierra del Fuego. - Lama guanicoe huanacus: It lives in Chile. - Lama guanicoe voglii: It lives in Argentina. Science advertises that probably there are other sub-species living in other places, but they haven´t been discovered yet. Because of the places where they live, guanacos have a specific diet: they prefer ichu or grasses that grow in high, dry places; this varied depending on season and some environmental factors. The vegetation allows them to find the water they need to live, especially during shortage. Guanacos are ruminant animals, which mean that the food they consume, after some time, comes back to their mouths to remain chewed. Constantly in danger The guanacos live in constant danger, because of many reasons that we could prevent. For example: the destruction of their habitat and illegal hunting. Also, the guanacos are predated by bigger species, especially the puma.
Fortunately, the Peruvian Government has taken care of the situation and has built special refugees that are in their natural habitat. These are called “reservas nacionales” and are special places prepared for taking care of animals, where hunting is forbidden and so to destroy their habitat. Actually, in Peru, are two “reservas” where the guanacos live: one is in Calipuy, Arequipa; and the other is in Chaparrí, La Libertad. Thanks to these protection efforts, in various countries the numbers were able to rise. The law protects them from being poached and that also has significantly reduced the problems. Thanks to you for contributing with the preservation of this Peruvian species!!!
Bibliography: http://bioexpedition.com/guanaco/ http://www.peruecologico.com.pe/fau_guanaco_1.htm http://www.profesorenlinea.cl/fauna/guanaco.htm “Animalitos en peligro de extinction” – Teresina Muñoz-Nájar
Haikus
Definition: Haiku is also called nature or seasonal haiku. Is usually write in the present tense and focuses on nature (seasons).