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Tutorial 1: RACHEL CARSON’S SILENT SPRINGAssigned reading: Chapters 1-5, 7, 8, 12, 16DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (in groups of 3-4 students). Take notes so that you can respond/present your answers to the class.Why did Carson call this book “Silent Spring”? Can you think of other possible titles?Why does she suggest that chemical insecticides and herbicides be called “biocides”?Is Carson opposed to the use of all toxic chemicals? Why or why not?What is uniquely problematic about DDT and other chlorinated hydrocarbons?Carson’s discussion of Dutch Elm disease leads her to advocate “the conservation of variety.” What does she mean by this? Does it still apply today and in what way?What alternatives does Carson propose to the use of chemicals to control unwanted pests and plants? Do you think these alternatives make sense in the context of agribusiness?First line on chapter 16: "If Darwin were alive today the insect world would delight and astound him with its impressive verification of his theories of the survival of the fittest.”?What does this mean? How does she illustrate this in the chapter?Immediately upon its publication, there was overwhelming backlash towards the book and Carson personally. Despite this criticism, Silent Spring became even more popular. It sold more than 500,000 hard copies since first published, listed on the New York Times bestseller list for 31 weeks, and was published in 24 countries. Why do you think Rachel Carson got so much public attention following the publication of this book? After reading Silent Spring, how would you characterize its author? Is she a science writer? An environmental activist? A philosopher?TUTORIAL ASSIGNMENTSuggested viewing: NY Times video book Silent Spring was first published in 1962. Since that time, there have been a significant number of research studies published in the field of ecotoxicology on the effects of pesticides and chlorinated hydrocarbons (short and long term exposures), evolved pest resistance to pesticides, and regulatory research (human and ecological risk assessment studies of contaminated terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems) among others. Select any research article that is recent (published since 2008) that represents an advance in knowledge in the areas Carson identified as a theme in her book. Write an ~2 page summary (single spaced) of the article you chose clearly describing how the study has a) addressed one of the book’s themes and b) advanced our scientific knowledge since the Carson era. Please include the citation of the paper in the heading of your summary and attach a PDF or link to the article. Submit your assignment online through BB. Due in 1 week.Reminder about researching articles:Library databases: Web of Science: Google Scholar: journal articles from home: on preparedness and participation in the tutorial; 50% selection of appropriate study article and quality of written summary ................
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