1. Ecosystems and Biomes - 8
The needs of Humans

2. Humans have special needs
Even if all our basic needs were met, most humans could not survive as individuals alone.
For some reason, most of us require companionship— an exchange of ideas and feelings.
Interaction is necessary, but sometimes it leads to conflict.
Conflict can lead to destruction.
Because of this, humans have developed techniques for attempting to resolve conflicts and punish destructive behavior

3. Surviving an Antarctic Winter
Read the special focus article “Surviving an Antarctic Winter” on page 64 of the Global Science text book.
Information about Antarctica
Antarctica is Earth's southernmost continent, containing the geographic South Pole.
It is situated in the Antarctic region of the Southern Hemisphere, almost entirely south of the Antarctic Circle, and is surrounded by the Southern Ocean.
At 14.0 million km2 (5.4 million sq mi), it is the fifth-largest continent in area after Asia, Africa, North America, and South America.
For comparison, Antarctica is nearly twice the size of Australia.
About 98% of Antarctica is covered by ice that averages at least 1 mile (1.6 km) in thickness.

4. Surviving an Antarctic Winter
Antarctica, on average, is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent, and has the highest average elevation of all the continents. 
Antarctica is considered a desert, with annual precipitation of only 200 mm (8 inches) along the coast and far less inland.
The temperature in Antarctica has reached −89 °C (−129 °F).
There are no permanent human residents, but anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 people reside throughout the year at the research stations scattered across the continent.

5. Antarctica
Only cold-adapted organisms survive there, including many types of algae, animals 
Example mites, nematodes, penguins, seals and tardigrades), bacteria, fungi,  plants, and Protista. Vegetation where it occurs is tundra.

6. Antarctica
Tardigrades (also known as waterbears or moss piglets

7. Surviving an Antarctic Winter
Answer the following questions:
1. How might survival in this Antarctic episode be related to the Voyage to Mars situation examined in Activity 2.2?
2. Does it take more than scientific knowledge to survive in Mars/Antarctic-type situations or in your usual setting? Explain.
3. According to the article, what does stress bring out in people? Give examples.
4. What are the best personal traits to have if cooperation among individuals is a major goal?
5. Based on the information in this article and your responses to these questions, how would you change your list of who should go on the Mars voyage?
6. What lessons do these accounts (Mars/Antarctica) teach us that might be applicable to the resolution of conflicts related to regional and global pollution, food supply, and land use?

8. Activity 2.5: Our quest for the “Good Life”
Most people want more out of life than mere existence. In addition to their basic needs, most humans desire:
To love and be loved
To do meaningful work and feel useful in society
To learn new things and teach them to others
To benefit from a variety of healthful foods
To enjoy clean air and water

9. Activity 2.5: Our quest for the “Good Life”
To have modern-day conveniences
To seek the beauty and meaning of life
To help rid our planet of disease
To promote world peace and rid our planet of war
To relax and enjoy life on occasion
Achieving some of these desires requires the ability to interact and resolve conflicts. The wise use of our natural resources is also essential.

10. Activity 2.5: Our quest for the “Good Life”
Procedure 1. Draw a chart with two columns. 2. Label the left column “Basic Needs.” Label the right column “Wants for my lifestyle.” 3. Begin filling in the left column by listing the five items you decided to take on the Mars journey. 4. Finish the list with other items you consider basic needs. 5. In the right column, list the things you use and want to, maintain your lifestyle. 6. Next to each item in the right column write some of the resources or products necessary to produce these things.

11. Activity 2.5: Our quest for the “Good Life”
7. Discuss these questions with your classmates: A. Does a growing human population create competition for natural resources? B. Describe at least two possible ways to resolve conflicts that may arise due to competition for natural resources. C. Is there more to living the “good life” than having material things? D. What are some of your non-material desires? E. How well can one live the “good life” without consuming large quantities of energy and mineral resources? F. What is the “good life”? G. How do you achieve it? H. What percentage of the world’s population lives a good life (according to your definition)? I. How can this percentage be increased?