Lab 4 Project: List of Species
My day has just begun. After sleeping with a mattress full of dust mites . . .
Dermatophagoides farina – (dust mites, bed bugs)
Living in a commensalistic relationship, we acknowledge that these mites must dine on something, so my dead skin provides endless banquets and literally costs me nothing. I am not allergic to them or their excrements. According to Environment Health and Safety, there may be 100,000 to 10 million mites inside my mattress. Ten percent of the weight of my pillow at 2 years old may actually be dead mites and their droppings. These are not domesticated, but rather wild organisms. If humans had their way, these would be eliminated because it’s just gross to think about sleeping with these bugs. Pleasant dreams . . .
Dermatophagoides farina – (dust mites, bed bugs)
Living in a commensalistic relationship, we acknowledge that these mites must dine on something, so my dead skin provides endless banquets and literally costs me nothing. I am not allergic to them or their excrements. According to Environment Health and Safety, there may be 100,000 to 10 million mites inside my mattress. Ten percent of the weight of my pillow at 2 years old may actually be dead mites and their droppings. These are not domesticated, but rather wild organisms. If humans had their way, these would be eliminated because it’s just gross to think about sleeping with these bugs. Pleasant dreams . . .
The dust mite . . .
Back to the story: I got up from my crowded bed and proceeded to the bathroom. Washing my hands of e coli . . .
Escherichia coli – (e-coli) A bacterium commonly found in the lower intestines which has several strains. Harmless strains actually produce vitamin K and will prevent pathogenic organisms from becoming established in the bowel. It is the harmful strain, serotype O157:H7, which can cause serious illness and death. For the harmless strain, the relationship is mutualistic; both benefit from the relationship. The harmful strain is parasitic in nature, even potentially leading to the death of the host and subsequently, the bacteria. The future for this relationship will continue to be a) for the harmless strain, mutually beneficial and b) for serotype 0157:H7, limited due to diligence and handwashing.
I turned on the coffee machine and proceeded to listen to it grind the beans . . .
Coffea arabica – (coffee) A tropical plant that produces beans from which a very popular, caffeinated beverage is made. This relationship is beneficial to humans in a very major way. Even the people who don’t drink it benefit from the perkiness and alertness of those who do. This is a predatoristic relationship and would not benefit this plant, except that we want this relationship to thrive, so we will plant ample replacements. Coffee plants will survive forever, at least the flavorful ones will.
Coffee Plant . . .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee
After the steamy, hot, aromatic coffee is done pouring into my cup, I pour in a generous portion of soy milk . . .
Glycine L. max – (soy) Native to east Asia, this plant produces an annual crop of beans which are, by weight, 40% protein and 20% fat. Most of the soy crop is used as animal feed and a relatively small portion is consumed by humans. This relationship is very similar to our coffee relationship. We harvest the beans and plant replacements. We are the predators and the propagators. This relationship will continue and perhaps soy will flourish because of its excellent nutritional content and is a cheap alternative to meat. It is uncertain whether the original plant or the genetically altered plant will prevail. In any event, I would certainly label soy a domesticated species.
Now that I am sufficiently perked, I look at the dog . . .
After the steamy, hot, aromatic coffee is done pouring into my cup, I pour in a generous portion of soy milk . . .
Glycine L. max – (soy) Native to east Asia, this plant produces an annual crop of beans which are, by weight, 40% protein and 20% fat. Most of the soy crop is used as animal feed and a relatively small portion is consumed by humans. This relationship is very similar to our coffee relationship. We harvest the beans and plant replacements. We are the predators and the propagators. This relationship will continue and perhaps soy will flourish because of its excellent nutritional content and is a cheap alternative to meat. It is uncertain whether the original plant or the genetically altered plant will prevail. In any event, I would certainly label soy a domesticated species.
Now that I am sufficiently perked, I look at the dog . . .
Buster . . . (had his nose in flour)
Canis lupus familiaris – (domestic dog) Mine is a black labrador/mix. He is hungry and wants to go outside. I get some dog food and fill his other bowl with water and begin to wonder who is the master. He is appreciative, so I feel OK with my servitude. This is a symbiotic relationship. He gives companionship and some protection if he barks (probably while hiding under a table or behind me) and I provide shelter, food and companionship. This relationship between dog and humans has evolved into manipulation of the species by selective breeding and encouraging different traits to accommodate our needs/desires. Dogs have served humans for an untold number of centuries and there are many instances where they are, indeed, man’s best friend. The domestic dog is definitely a domesticated species.
So the dog is fed and happy, and it’s time to get ready for work. I wash my face and brush my teeth . . .
Streptococcus mutans and anaerobes - Biofilm (dental plaque) is a film of microorganisms that builds up on teeth. This film is composed mostly of bacteria. This is a commensalistic relationship and the bacteria is not domesticated. The bacteria is harmless unless it remains on the teeth. The film thickens and the organisms nearest the tooth convert to anaerobic respiration which produces acids that demineralize the surface of the teeth. I’ve not read that bacterium have become resistive to brushing and flossing so it’s future in today’s society will be limited in those who do regular mouth hygiene. As long as there are mouths with teeth and food (particularly sugar) to be eaten, there will be biofilm. If man had his way, there would be a vaccination that would eliminate the bacteria altogether. It’s future with mankind is uncertain.
After reading the labels on the beauty products, I find one with English words, it is Pycnogenol wrinkle cream . . .
Pinus pinaster (French Maritime Pine) – The bark of this tree is used commonly in alternative medicine to reduce inflammation. It is taken orally or topically to achieve stated goal. Recent studies also state that Pycnogenol slows glucose absorption 190 times more potently than prescription medication and also has many other health benefits. I also take this orally for joint pain, which I haven’t had for years while on it. These trees grow along the coast of southwest France.
French Maritime Pine Trees
Because of the preponderance of research being done on Pycnogenol, I am not able to determine if there are groves of this tree for mass production or if raw landscapes are being harvested. I will call these wild. Given the huge impact this plant has made on various health issues, I would hope that these trees are being replaced.
Having sufficiently creamed, colored and plastered my face, I proceed to dressing. The scrubs are 100% cotton . . .
Gossypium – (cotton) A shrub native to the tropical and subtropical regions, cotton is the most common textile today. Cotton has been genetically modified (GM)to resist boll weevils. Twenty percent of the worldwide area of planted cotton is GM. 75% of US cotton was GM in 2003. This is a commensal relationship that will not eliminate the cotton plant. I believe if you can call plants domesticated this would be one. It is perennial and will continue to grow after harvesting. What may eliminate the original plant is genetic engineering and the replacement of original, organic cotton with such. Of interest, my deodorant is without aluminum and uses cotton to help absorb perspiration.
Cotton plant . . .
www.geocities.com/civilwarstudy101/cotton.html
My work shoes are leather . . .
Domesticated ungulates, a member of the subfamily Bovinae – (cow)I am assuming that the leather came from cows. The world cattle population is estimated at 1.3 billion. They have been domesticated since the Neolithic age. I think this relationship is both predatistic and mutualistic, depending on the use of the cattle. “A 400-page United Nations report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) states that cattle farming is "responsible for 18% of greenhouse gases."The production of cattle to feed and clothe humans stresses ecosystems around the world, and is assessed to be one of the top three environmental problems in the world on a local to global scale.” "Cattle." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 28 Apr 2008, 19:42 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 30 Apr 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cattle&oldid=208822670>.
Cattle have been altered to best serve our perceived needs and will continue to be subjected to the changing desires of man.
Well, shoes are on and the face is presentable. It’s time to head towards work. It’s a beautiful day and the birds are singing . . .
Passeriformes emberizidae (warblers) – I don’t know the name of the birds I heard, but these sound as though they make noise and they’re from our local bird guide. Birds are often a mixed blessing. They’re messy and noisy to some, or they are music makers to others. Birds are kept as pets and have been bred for certain traits and they are also wild. Wild collisions with aircraft cost US civil aviation more than $470 million annually. Wild birds cost property owners millions of dollars annually for damage to homes and landscaping. Bird attacks on people and bird droppings also pose health hazards. Attempts are being made to find ways of coexisting with these wild birds. I’m sure populations of birds are being affected by reduced natural habitats caused by urban developments. Their future is uncertain because attempts will be made to accommodate their needs. Our relationship with wild birds is symbiotic – we benefit from their music and perhaps some insect/worm control and they benefit from bird feeders and baths.
www.geocities.com/civilwarstudy101/cotton.html
My work shoes are leather . . .
Domesticated ungulates, a member of the subfamily Bovinae – (cow)I am assuming that the leather came from cows. The world cattle population is estimated at 1.3 billion. They have been domesticated since the Neolithic age. I think this relationship is both predatistic and mutualistic, depending on the use of the cattle. “A 400-page United Nations report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) states that cattle farming is "responsible for 18% of greenhouse gases."The production of cattle to feed and clothe humans stresses ecosystems around the world, and is assessed to be one of the top three environmental problems in the world on a local to global scale.” "Cattle." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 28 Apr 2008, 19:42 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 30 Apr 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cattle&oldid=208822670>.
Cattle have been altered to best serve our perceived needs and will continue to be subjected to the changing desires of man.
Well, shoes are on and the face is presentable. It’s time to head towards work. It’s a beautiful day and the birds are singing . . .
Passeriformes emberizidae (warblers) – I don’t know the name of the birds I heard, but these sound as though they make noise and they’re from our local bird guide. Birds are often a mixed blessing. They’re messy and noisy to some, or they are music makers to others. Birds are kept as pets and have been bred for certain traits and they are also wild. Wild collisions with aircraft cost US civil aviation more than $470 million annually. Wild birds cost property owners millions of dollars annually for damage to homes and landscaping. Bird attacks on people and bird droppings also pose health hazards. Attempts are being made to find ways of coexisting with these wild birds. I’m sure populations of birds are being affected by reduced natural habitats caused by urban developments. Their future is uncertain because attempts will be made to accommodate their needs. Our relationship with wild birds is symbiotic – we benefit from their music and perhaps some insect/worm control and they benefit from bird feeders and baths.
Pine warbler . . .
http://www.hiltonpond.org/images/WarblerPine04.jpg
I pause to admire the blossoms on the pear tree . . .
Pyrus communis sativa (pear) – A common fruit that grows on trees. It is sweet and can be eaten raw or cooked. We have pear orchids for mass production. This is a commensal relationship because we cultivate and maintain pear orchids to preserve production. The trees are not harmed with harvest. Pears and humans will continue to benefit from each other for a long time.
I drive to work and walk on the sidewalk to avoid trampling the grass . . .
Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda Grass) – Bermuda grass, is of probable Asian origin and was documented as an important grass in the United States by l807. It is a long-lived, warm season perennial that spreads by rhizomes, stolons, and seed. It is used in warm climates and grows well in temperatures exceeding 100 degrees F. In some areas, it is considered noxious and invasive. Bermuda grass will continue to be utilized as long as we have water to throw on our lawns. I’m sure it has been modified in some way to accommodate different areas of application. In that respect, I would have to say most of the existing Bermuda grass is probably domesticated. Our relationship is mutualistic.
I pause to admire the blossoms on the pear tree . . .
Pyrus communis sativa (pear) – A common fruit that grows on trees. It is sweet and can be eaten raw or cooked. We have pear orchids for mass production. This is a commensal relationship because we cultivate and maintain pear orchids to preserve production. The trees are not harmed with harvest. Pears and humans will continue to benefit from each other for a long time.
I drive to work and walk on the sidewalk to avoid trampling the grass . . .
Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda Grass) – Bermuda grass, is of probable Asian origin and was documented as an important grass in the United States by l807. It is a long-lived, warm season perennial that spreads by rhizomes, stolons, and seed. It is used in warm climates and grows well in temperatures exceeding 100 degrees F. In some areas, it is considered noxious and invasive. Bermuda grass will continue to be utilized as long as we have water to throw on our lawns. I’m sure it has been modified in some way to accommodate different areas of application. In that respect, I would have to say most of the existing Bermuda grass is probably domesticated. Our relationship is mutualistic.
Bermuda Grass . . .
http://www.floridahydroseeding.com/images/grass-with-legs.jpg
After report, I administer Insulin to a patient . . .
Escherichia coli (e-coli) – Surprised to see that? The very bacteria I washed from my hands earlier today produces insulin using recumbant DNA techniques. Human DNA is “introduced” (simply stated) to the bacteria which will reproduce at an incredible rate. Prior to this technology, Porcine was the primary source for Insulin. By 2001, 95% of all insulin-dependent diabetics were using this genetically modified insulin. Well, e-coli is not a domestic species, but I would have to say the lab-contained version would probably be classified as such. I would say this is a predatoristic relationship, since the bacteria are destroyed when the insulin is removed. The future for this bacteria is very strong, even without lab-grown populations.
Another patient is given a Cranberry Capsule . . .
Vaccinium oxycoccus (cranberries) – Since the beginning of the 21st century, cranberries have enjoyed increased popularity and their nutrient content and antioxidant qualities have given them commercial status as a "superfruit". It is the main agricultural export for several states and in Canada. It is no longer wild in Scotland. Arctic, Nordic and Russian people are still harvested from the wild. Cranberries have been approved by the French government for use as an antibacterial agent for urinary tract infections. This is a mutualistic relationship, because the plants are not harmed and they are farmed to maintain their numbers. Wild plants have decreased in number because of diminishing wild lands.
After report, I administer Insulin to a patient . . .
Escherichia coli (e-coli) – Surprised to see that? The very bacteria I washed from my hands earlier today produces insulin using recumbant DNA techniques. Human DNA is “introduced” (simply stated) to the bacteria which will reproduce at an incredible rate. Prior to this technology, Porcine was the primary source for Insulin. By 2001, 95% of all insulin-dependent diabetics were using this genetically modified insulin. Well, e-coli is not a domestic species, but I would have to say the lab-contained version would probably be classified as such. I would say this is a predatoristic relationship, since the bacteria are destroyed when the insulin is removed. The future for this bacteria is very strong, even without lab-grown populations.
Another patient is given a Cranberry Capsule . . .
Vaccinium oxycoccus (cranberries) – Since the beginning of the 21st century, cranberries have enjoyed increased popularity and their nutrient content and antioxidant qualities have given them commercial status as a "superfruit". It is the main agricultural export for several states and in Canada. It is no longer wild in Scotland. Arctic, Nordic and Russian people are still harvested from the wild. Cranberries have been approved by the French government for use as an antibacterial agent for urinary tract infections. This is a mutualistic relationship, because the plants are not harmed and they are farmed to maintain their numbers. Wild plants have decreased in number because of diminishing wild lands.
Cranberry harvesting . . . Yumm!
I break for lunch and eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich . . .
Arachis hypogaea (peanut)-The domesticated peanut has two sets of chromosomes from two different species which may have occurred in Argentina or Bolivia. The peanut was introduced to China in the 1600’s and a different species again in the 1800’s. By 2006, China was the world’s greatest producer of peanuts. This is a predatoristic relationship, since the entire plant must be removed to harvest the peanuts.
Arachis hypogaea (peanut)-The domesticated peanut has two sets of chromosomes from two different species which may have occurred in Argentina or Bolivia. The peanut was introduced to China in the 1600’s and a different species again in the 1800’s. By 2006, China was the world’s greatest producer of peanuts. This is a predatoristic relationship, since the entire plant must be removed to harvest the peanuts.
Fragaria ananassa (strawberry)-Strawberries are cultivated and harvested primarily in the northern Americas. The plants remain in the soil and will produce smaller crops each year. The soil will need to be re-seeded every 2-3 years. This is a parasitic relationship. The plants will be replanted every few years to keep production optimal. Wild strawberries will continue as long as there continues to be wild landscape to accommodate the species.
Bread . . .
Triticum T. aestivum (bread wheat) – Gobally, the second most produced food crop. This is a domesticated species whose demand is higher than the yield. There was a big push to begin using genetically modified wheat in 2005, but the plans for implementation were withdrawn. Many people have wheat allergies and 1 out of every 1-200 people have Celiac’s disease, an auto immune disorder wherein the person affected cannot tolerate the wheat’s protein. Wheat does grow in the wild, but it is now domesticated. This is a predatoristic relationship.
With the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I drink a large, cold glass of milk . . .
Bos taurus (dairy cow) – This is a domesticated animal, that is raised to produce milk for human consumption. Cattle farming contributes 18% of all greenhouse gasses. This is a predatoristic relationship. Cattle are kept until they can no longer produce milk. Then they are destroyed and their meat is used for cheaper cuts such as hamburger.
The cow . . .
http://www.dorlingkindersley-uk.co.uk/static/clipart/uk/dk/farm/image_farm002.jpg
So after that nutritious lunch, I return to work. Many of the residents get calcium . . .
Crassostrea gigas (oyster) – these are marine animals, comprised of two calcified halves surrounding their soft body. This succulent body is a treat for many people. The shells are a source of Calcium Carbonate. These animals have been cultivated for over a century, but many are still wild. The relationship we have with this animal is predatoristic. Their future is promising so long as they are the ones we cultivate. Marine habitats are changing and becoming polluted, so the future of the wild oysters is uncertain.
It’s getting warmer and the bugs are starting to appear. There are huge flycatchers in the dining room . . .
Musca domestica (housefly) – one of the most widely distributed pests. Flies are capable of carrying over 100 diseases and some strains have become resistant to pesticides. Our relationship with flies is commensal, they benefit from our garbage, livestock, and pets’ refuse. Flies will probably be around forever. There’s always “food” available.
http://www.dorlingkindersley-uk.co.uk/static/clipart/uk/dk/farm/image_farm002.jpg
So after that nutritious lunch, I return to work. Many of the residents get calcium . . .
Crassostrea gigas (oyster) – these are marine animals, comprised of two calcified halves surrounding their soft body. This succulent body is a treat for many people. The shells are a source of Calcium Carbonate. These animals have been cultivated for over a century, but many are still wild. The relationship we have with this animal is predatoristic. Their future is promising so long as they are the ones we cultivate. Marine habitats are changing and becoming polluted, so the future of the wild oysters is uncertain.
It’s getting warmer and the bugs are starting to appear. There are huge flycatchers in the dining room . . .
Musca domestica (housefly) – one of the most widely distributed pests. Flies are capable of carrying over 100 diseases and some strains have become resistant to pesticides. Our relationship with flies is commensal, they benefit from our garbage, livestock, and pets’ refuse. Flies will probably be around forever. There’s always “food” available.
The Fly - up close and personal . . .
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/kids-only/downloads/images/housefly1280_4370_1.jpg
Well, work is done, and it’s time to pick up a few things on the way home. I pull into Frys.
My kids love bananas . . .
Musa acuminata (bananas) – cultivated throughout the tropics, they are loved and enjoyed year-round. Bananas are exported while still green to reduce damage and bruising. The majority of these are gassed with ethylene gas to make them ripen. Bananas were documented first in Asia and domestication began there. They still grow in the wild, but most bananas are cultivated. Cultivated bananas are sterile and are reproduced by cuttings. This is a mutualistic relationship because these bananas would not reproduce without us and we would not enjoy their fruit without them.
Bananas in Bloom . . .
http://maona.net/img/food/bananas_and_blossom.jpg
Upon completing this project, I see that most of our relationships with the species around us are predatoristic. I wouldn’t want to be my neighbor. . .
http://maona.net/img/food/bananas_and_blossom.jpg
Upon completing this project, I see that most of our relationships with the species around us are predatoristic. I wouldn’t want to be my neighbor. . .
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