The New York Times
September 27, 2010
For thousands of years, the bristlecone pine trees of North America have thrived through terrible weather conditions. Recently, the white pine blister rust, an Asian fungus that originated in Asia, has been devastating and killing off the population of bristlecone. The mountain pine beetle also eats and kills of the trees, and in conjunction with the fungus, will eradicate the world's oldest trees. Only by collecting fungus-resistant seeds and growing a generation resistant to the fungus, can the species be saved form extinction.
A bias that could be considered is how the author tries to draw sympathy and attention for the trees, and tries to describe the importance and significance of their age and qualities.
II. The Living World
A. Ecosystem Structure (species interaction)
C. ecosystem Diversity (natural selection)
IV. Land and Water Use
B. Forestry (old growth forests)
VII. Global Change
C. Loss of Biodiversity (introduced species, endangered species)
A good deal of attention should be given to these trees. America has always been concerned with preserving its history through restrictions on tearing down historical buildings, and it should do the same with trees. These being the worlds oldest trees it is even more paramount that people take action to save them from extinction.
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