Explains what ecological succession is and why it happens. Describes some examples, how it affects humans, and why it does not really stop.

Extensive article on mangroves. Covers classification, physical characteristics, life cycle, habitat, economic value, and natural and human threats to their survival.

This provides access to a webbook about How Humans Evolved. The following topics are covered: (1) How Evolution Works, (2) Primate Behavior and Ecology, (3) The History of Human Lineage, and (4) Evolution and Modern Humans. Each chapter...

Humans are having a negative effect on the ecology of Antarctica. Get the facts on krill harvesting, global warming, and ozone depletion.

An interesting look from the National Humanities Center at the progression of roads in America. Author looks at the ecological impact of the road system.

In this lesson plan, young scholars will consider Folktales and Ecology: Animals and Humans in Cooperation and Conflict. Worksheets and other supporting materials can be found under the Resources tab.

Our early ancestors relied on lightning to cause forest fires, from which they could collect coals and burning sticks to help them cook food and clear land. Yet, it wasn't just humans who benefited from these natural phenomena. Even as...

Learn about the many specializations in the field of geography within its two branches of physical and human geography.

This article discusses how plants and microorganisms, until recently, have mostly controlled how much carbon dioxide is released into an ecosystem, and explains how this process works. Humans' burning of fossil fuels has upset the...

A massive amount of information about groundwater. Topics covered include groundwater basics, humans and groundwater, groundwater quality, and its place in the water cycle. Includes true-and-false quiz and a Q&A section, as well as a...

A very detailed look at the development of the field of sociology. Looks at its historical roots, the earliest sociologists, and explains major theories that it was based on, and theories and schools of thought that evolved from those....

It is humans' responsibility to take care of the Earth's many ecosystems. Many of the daily things we take for granted - e.g., clean water and air, pest control, and protection from severe weather - are results of healthy ecosystems....

In this lesson, learners build on their knowledge of individual impacts on the ocean to see how the whole system can react to threats and changes. They examine ways in which human actions throw marine ecosystems out of balance, explore...

This lesson will discuss the key concepts related to the human relationship with the environment.

An introduction, aimed at upper elementary- and middle-school learners, to acid rain. [Click back to home to access the site in Spanish.]

During our exploration of each previous lesson, we have learned about many of the factors that contribute to the ongoing destruction of our environment. In our final lesson, we will make a holistic appraisal of the impact that each of...

Learn all about the twenty named species of armadillos. Browse through pictures of many of the species while learning about the natural history of this animal. Also includes facts, taxonomy, scientific research, and information on human...

This site is an interesting article about Lake Baikal in Russia. This unique lake is helping scientists to learn more about the patterns of ecological change in the world and about the history of the world.

Find out why insects are an excellent sign of a healthy ecosystem, as they play a vital ecological role.

A profile of Robert E. Park (1864-1944), an influential, early sociologist who taught at the University of Chicago.

Biological magnification is the term used to described the increasing accumulation of substances in organisms as one looks at higher trophic levels in a food chain. When that substance is a toxin, such as a heavy metal or a pesticide,...

Many different kinds of organisms live in water. Excess nutrients can cause over-abundant growth of some organisms living in water and non-point source pollution is a major threat to water supplies in the United States. In this lesson...

Article on pine tree. Covers classification, physical features, ecology, and ways pine is used by humans. (Published: May 31, 2012)

This lesson addresses the following questions: What is the efficiency with which energy is converted from trophic level to trophic level? What are the differences between assimilation efficiency, net production efficiency, and ecological...