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Applying the Scientific Method

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Submitted By scheek555
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Introduction:

When European explorers reached Easter Island in 1722, they "found a barren landscape populated by fewer than 2,000 people." This was amid evidence that there was once sophisticated civilization on the island. Indeed, further studies found that the island was once lushly forested, supporting a society of 6,000 to 30,000 people. Evidence indicates that "this once-flourishing civilization overused its resources and cut down all its trees, destroying itself in a downward spiral of starvation and conflict. Today, Easter Island stands as a parable and a warning for what can happen when a population consumes too much of the limited resources that support it." For this assignment, you need to review the story of Easter Island and consider it in terms of the scientific method.

Tasks:

Review the story of Easter Island presented in pages 6–7 of the textbook Essential Environment: The Science Behind the Stories.
Using the scientific method, analyze and prepare a report on the story of Easter Island. In your report, include responses to the following questions:

Observation: What were some of the key observations at Easter Island?
Hypothesis: What hypothesis was formed as a result of the observations?
Results: What were the results and conclusions after applying the scientific method?
Do you agree with the assertion that Easter Island holds important lessons for our world today, regarding the use of natural resources? Why or why not? Support your answer with examples.

Writing Assignment:

The collapse of Easter Island is evident of what can happen when the natural resources that support it were used up, the population decreased. Scientists, such as French archaeologist Catherine Orliac, discovered that the trees on the island were cut down which led to soil erosion. No trees meant birds were no longer a food source for the islanders

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