How do humans and the environment interact?

Question

Im doing a project on a final project and my teacher wants us to make up a island of our own.So i was wondering how humans and environment interact with a island out in the ocean?

Answer 1

this is a great project your teacher came up with!!!  

First, search for the islands that have been sustainable by man (not just the ones we destroyed); this way you'll have a different angle than the rest of the students.  Next, find that research where a group of scientists created a totally man-made eco--system where they placed some men and women in the environment for a few months I think and get some ideas there.

Remember, all great stories require conflict.  For instance, you could introduce a certain breed of dog to the island that over multiplies, starves and eats the human babies!  Think for yourself and believe your  own thoughts: that'll be your daily catechism while working on this project!

Fourthly, cheat a little bit--start with a large, plush temperate- zone island, maybe one sold to us by a depressed country.        

I'd love to see what you write    Tom   [e-mail]

Answer 2

I remember reading about how Easter Island is sort of a warning to earth because the people there used up all the wood and their population ended up very small in numbers. The animals you raise for food would have to be small because large animals like cattle would take up too much space. You have to be careful of what plants you import onto islands because Hawaii has an imported plant that taking over and endangering the native plants.  It's a micro environment and care has to be taken to get a healthy balance.

Answer 3

An island is a tricky one, for keeping an environmental balance...

First of all, the size of the island is a factor...

Secondly, which types of resources are available (fruits, potential for farming, animals, hunting, boat-building, fishing, making clothing & shelters, having controlled use of fire,  sanitation, architecture, security)...

Climate is also a factor...

Then, how long the resources will last, and can they be replenished?

And finally, would you ever want to take the chance to migrate...

Answer 4

Funny you,being in antrhopology should ask such a question.  There is nothing that exists that excludes the interaction thing.  And try Carlos Castaneda for some interesting relationships there and the island thing.  I think it is called the "Island of the Tonal".

Answer 5

Easter Island is bare and windswept when once it was covered in trees. When people inhabited the island they gradually cut down the trees and didn't plant (or allow to regrow) others. Once the last tree was gone and their canoes  wore out, they were stuck.

Humans bring many alien species to islands. Often, these species have no natural enemies and will displace native species. Rats can be a huge problem as rabbits have been to Australia.

The Dodo bird lived on an island and had no natural enemies. When discovered it was found to be easily kills and yielded a good amount of meat. Over hunting soon caused it to be extinct.

Finally their's the human  hobbit. This is a human that lived on an island long enough for the enviorment to affect them. Over centuries they decreased in size. Mammoths on Wagnel Island did the same.