1.The albatros’ are found on Chatham Islands east of New Zealand. They live on the slopes of a volcano and mate on 570 feet of rock, the pyramid, which branches out from the island. The albatros’ can also be found in the Crozet Islands, South Georgia, Campbell Island in New Zealand and the Snares Islands in New Zealand. The albatros’ can fly for years without touching surface and can fly 50 miles per hour. The albatros can fly thousands and thousands of miles and some species can even circle the world. Albatros’ have the longest wingspan of any bird, 10 feet or more. Albatros weight almost %50 more than adults so food is needed to give the albatros extra fat when learning to feed itself. The albatros’ nest is an area called “The Cave,” which is filled with nesting platforms and composed of the dead bodies of albatros chicks. When the chicks fall off of a platform they cannot get back up. The chicks then die and their bodies become part of the platform. There are 21 species of albatros recognized by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
2.The scientists are using GPS to learn more about the albatros’ habitat. They capture the albatros and tape a popsicle-size logger between its shoulder blades. This allows scientists to track their movement at sea. Scientists also spray paint the bodies of the albatros’ to allow for easy recognition. This way when the scientist looks at “The Cave” he can easily recognize which albatros he is keeping track of. Many issues come in the way of learning about the albatros’ habitat. Many times when scientists try to reach the Chatham Island they are set off track by large storms. Another problem scientists are having with the GPS technology is getting them back. When these loggers are placed on the albatros’ body the only way to retrieve the tracking information is to take it off the bird. When it is time to retrieve the tracking device the birds can be miles away from the island or even killed by fishermen.
3.A natural disaster that is making it difficult of the albatros’ population size the increase is the storms. Not only do these storms affect the scientists but they affect the nesting of the albatros. The eggs are sometimes thrown off the platform and mothers then try to lift them back up into the nest. It is extremely difficult for a mother to lift its egg back up onto the platform with only a bill. Another disaster that is making it difficult for the albatros population to expand is when the albatros collide with the trawl fisheries. The albatros get stuck in the nets and die.
4. Two cases of technology that are being used to preserve the albatros are incubators and human feeding. When humans feed the birds it makes the competition for food less intense. This allows the suka birds, which often attack albatros chicks, to obtain there own food without competition and without the need to attack the albatros chicks. The incubators are used to nest the eggs of first-time breeders. First time breeders often break their eggs by accident. The incubators and human help allow for %72 percent survival rate instead of %33.
--Tiny bopper

1. Albatrosses are among the largest sea birds. They have wingspans of about ten feet or more. They are able to glide over vast tracts of ocean without ever flapping their wings while simultaneously flying at a speed of about 50 miles per hour. Most live in the Southern Hemisphere. However, some have been spotted on the Hawaiian archipelago, Japan, equatorial Galapagos, and in the North Pacific. The albatrosses have mating rituals that differ from many other bird species. The search for a partner can take several years, their fidelity is legendary. The breeding pairs return to the same nest year after year, adding a fresh layer of peat and vegetation until the pedestal becomes as tall as a top hat. When the chick hatches, its nutritional needs cannot be met by just one parent. This is why the mate selection process is so crucial for these birds.

2. GPS loggers use the GPS technology to learn more about the albatros’ habitat and niche. They can give a bird’s position to within a few yards. Some also have temperature sensors. They attach these tracking systems to the bird’s legs, and then they can tell when the birds are flying, when they are resting, or when they are feeding on the sea. However, a problem with this new technology is that it can be very difficult to get the GPS system back from the bird. The birds can be off for times lasting over ten days hunting for food and they can travel thousands of miles of ocean. The birds can die by hooks, nets, lines, or they can be becalmed on the sea. All of these factors are problems with the GPS system.

3. Albatross populations are keenly vulnerable to threats on their breeding islands. They are hunted by rodents and feral cats. These predators kill an estimated 1,000 Tristan albatross chicks a year. This is a huge problem when it comes to increase in population size. If the chicks keep being killed off, the population can’t grow. Also, humans pose a huge threat to the albatross population. Our fishing equipment such as hooks, nets, and trawl wires inflict a heavy toll of injury and death upon these birds.

4. One way in which technology is being used to preserve this species is that the fisheries provide a steady supply of discarded fish which reduces competition for food between and within albatross chicks. Also, scientists have found a way to help save un-hatched albatross eggs. If a bird has been sitting on an egg for ten days and its partner has not returned they will take the egg and place it in an incubator. This provides a better environment for the egg to hatch. The scientists also take the egg away from first-time breeders because they can be clumsy and break the egg. Both of these technologies can help save the albatross population.
--Bluedog16

1. The albatrosses live in the Chatham Islands, which is east of New Zealand. They live on a fang on rock rearing 570 feet out of the sea which is called the Pyramid. They are also found in the Crozet Islands, South Georgia, Cambell Island, and Snares Island which is where many researches go to see them. They have plangent wails and strange kazoo like cackles and have shaggy wings. Their wing span is about 10 feet long. The adult albatrosses bring seafood meals to their offspring. They look white in flight, they are able to glide over vast tracts of ocean without flapping their wings. They spend their first 6 years of life never touching land. The female albatrosses choose a male they want to mate with. The females have to be fat to breed. It takes very long for them to produce a chick which is a reason why they are so rare.
-pink

1. The albatross primarily have white feathers and have a wing span of approximately 10 feet. The albatross being inspected in the article live east of New Zealand on the Chatham Island chain, where volcanoes rising up 570 feet, are their primary breeding ground. The albatross diet consists of a variety of fish, of which is fed to the hatchings in a liquid form. These chicks are nest bound for approximately 9 months and require constant attention from the parents, who must take nearly a year off from breeding.
2. Originally, an albatross would fly off and never be seen again; its flight path would go completely unrecorded. However, thanks to GPS technology, scientists are able to learn about the albatross' habitat and niche. Scientists attach the GPS devices to the legs of the albatross and track their flight patterns. However, often times, the scientists are unable to retrieve these relatively expensive devices, often due to the albatross' death.
3. One man-made disaster that is making it difficult for the albatross to increase its population is the constant confrontation with commercial fishing. It is an estimated tens of thousands of albatross that die due to these circumstances. A natural disaster that is making it difficult for the albatross to increase its population size is the constant bombardment of waves against the nesting shelves. Often times, the eggs are knocked out of their nests by large waves that wash over the breeding ground.
4. Currently, to preserve albatross, scientists are assisting in the hatching process of the eggs by replacing an egg that will most likely not survive with a fake fiberglass replica, as to not alarm the parent. Then they incubate the egg, and when hatching time is near, they replace the fiberglass egg with the original. This boosts hatching success rates from 33% to 72%. In addition, albatross that live in Taiaroa often die due heat exhaustion, so scientists turn on sprinklers to allow the albatross to cool.
--Pie

1. The albatross’ habitat is mainly located in the Chatham Islands- they are mostly found in the Southern Hemisphere between the Southern Ocean and the North Atlantic. They are considered one of the biggest birds with a wing span of ten feet or more. These birds can live for up to 50 years. They are mainly white with a few dark feathers- some of the smaller species have black, white, brown, and gray feathers. They eat squid, fish, and krill. Albatrosses mate for life and produce only one egg each breeding season. They are colonial and usually nest on isolated islands. They return to the same nest each year. Their population size is never specified in the article but there are 21 different albatross species.
2. The technology scientists are using to learn more about the albatross’ habitat and niche is a high tech tracking devices called a GPS loggers. These devices can give a birds position within a few yards. With GPS loggers the scientists can tell when a bird is flying and when a bird is nesting on water. A problem many scientists are having with the GPS loggers is that they are unable to get the devices back.
3. One man- made disaster that is making it difficult for the albatross to increase its population size is commercial fishing grounds. The birds are getting stuck and killed by hooks, nets, and lines. Long-line fishing also affects the albatrosses because thousands of baited hooks are cast off of a ship- more times and opportunities for an albatross to be hurt. A natural disaster that is making it difficult for an albatross to increase its population size is the introduction of predators. These predators are mainly feral cats and rodents. These predators are extremely dangerous for chicks because the albatross parents often have to leave their young for extended periods of time when they go to the feeding grounds.
4. Two cases of technology, other than GPS, that are being used to preserve the albatross are fiber glass eggs and incubators. If the scientists can see that one of the parents is not coming back, they switch the real egg with a fiber glass one. They put the real egg in an incubator and supplementary feed the bird. This ensures that the baby will survive, and that the albatross realizes the other parent is not coming back and that breeding season for that year is over.
--Pisces

1. Briefly describe the albatros' habitat and niche. You should talk about the physical characteristics of the bird species, its population size, its geographic range, its feeding requirements, and its nesting and reproduction requirements. All of these are important in understanding why the bird is threatened.

The albatross is an exceptionally large seabird, with mostly white plumage and an the largest wingspan of any living bird. The albatros lives in the Southern Hemisphere, with the exception being the Hawaiian albatross. The albatros breeds on small, rocky islands but spend the majority of their lives in flight. The isolated nature of these small islands is key to albatross reproduction, and these birds require a very large territory in which in hunt. They are important predators of large fish populations. However, all but 2 of the 21 different species are endangered: the decline in albatross population has been “catastrophic,” due to both natural and man-made factors. The albatross mates once and has a very long period of adolescent, making it difficult for their population to rebound quickly.

2. What technology is being used by scientists to learn more about the albatros' habitat and niche? Give a basic description of GPS technology and also some of the problems the scientists are having with the technology.

GPS technology uses fixed-position satellites to provide an accurate record of global position. Albatrosses are given GPS recorders that log the birds’ positions and movements. These recorders have given scientists an insight into the albatrosses long overseas journeys, ability to navigate, and their facility with avoiding bad weather.


3. Discuss one natural and one man-made disaster that are making it difficult for the albatros to increase its population size.

Storm surges in the 1980s both destroyed albatross nests and the soil on their breeding islands necessary to protect their fragile eggs and nests in subsequent years. Man made introduction of foreign species and the equipment used in commercial fishing have also limited population growth by killing both albatross eggs and adults.

4. Discuss two cases of how technology (other than GPS) is being used to preserve the albatros.

Scientists have used artificial replicas of nesting birds and eggs to encourage breeding and to accommodate the difficulty in managing a breeding population. Scientists have also included temperature sensors along with the GPS trackers in order to increase their understanding of albatross movements and feeding habits.

--Tim

1. Briefly describe the albatros' habitat an niche. You should talk about the physical characteristics of the bird species, its population size, its geographic range, its feeding requirements, and its nesting and reproduction requirements. All of these are important in understanding why the bird is threatened.
The physical characteristics of the bird species are shaggy wings with a 10 feet or more wing span, and a snowy chest. Their geographic range is from the Crozet Islands in the Indian Ocean, to South Georgia in the South Atlantic, to Campbell Island and the Snares Islands in New Zealand. Their feeding requirements is slurrified seafood . Their nesting grounds is in harsh enviroments.



2. What technology is being used by scientists to learn more about the albatros' habitat and niche? Give a basic description of GPS technology and also some of the problems the scientists are having with the technology. Scientists are placing a GPS device between their shoulders and sparying their chest with blue to ease recognition. A problem that scientists are having is they have to commit to months at the island which is often hit by storms; many ships are destroyed on their voyage there. Another problem it is really hard to retreive the GPS device from the birds.


3. Discuss one natural and one man-made disaster that are making it difficult for the albatros to increase its population size.
A natural disaster that makes it difficult for the albatros to increase its population size is storm surges. Storm surges wash over breeding islands killing shick and removing soil and vegetation. One man-made disaster that is making it difficult for the albatros to increase its population is competition with humans for food resources. Humans fish from the same nests as the birds.


4. Discuss two cases of how technology (other than GPS) is being used to preserve the albatros.
To preserve the albatros, fishers are reducing fish competition by discarding fish for albatros predators. Also, vessels are required to minimize impact on sea birds.
-hershey

1. They are among the largest birds. They have the widest wingspan of about 10 feet. They can be a combination of black, white, brown and gray. They are able to glide over vast amounts of time over the ocean without flapping their wings. They spend atleast 6 years in flight without ever touching land! Most live in the Southern Hemisphere. They catch squid and fish in the only the top few feet of the ocean. The search for a mate is very critical. It takes several years to find the right one. They start searching at the age of 8. The females make the decision and pick their male by the number of days they can spend ashore. Their nests are made of peat and vegetation and can become as tall as a top hat. The birds also predict the weather. They can respond to barometric uses.
2. Tracking devices called GPS loggers are being used to learn more about the birds habitat and niche. They are attached to the birds leg. The GPS can give the birds postion and tell when theyre flying or nesting. There is a setback to this system however; the devices need to be retrieved. This is hard because of how long the birds are in flight. On their outings, things can go wrong such as getting caught by hooks and nets. This decreases their population growth.
3. Numbers of birds are killed per year by contact with commercial fishing operations. They die as a result of collision with the warps or being caught in nets.
4. New Zealand fishers have adopted methods to reduce the killing of the albatros. They have a ready supply of discarded fish which reduces competition for food between and within albatros species and provides an alternative food source to predatory birds, which often attack albatros chicks.

--Rilo Kiley

3. Natural disasters have also caused the decrease in the Albatross population size. Storms was over many of their islands, killing chicks and and destroying the soil and vegetation. Without vegetation, they lack nesting material and the breeding success rate drops. The only other place they found to lay their eggs were on rocks and most of the eggs would crack.
--Rilo Kiley

1. Briefly describe the albatros' habitat an niche. You should talk about the physical characteristics of the bird species, its population size, its geographic range, its feeding requirements, and its nesting and reproduction requirements. All of these are important in understanding why the bird is threatened.

The albatross birds are interesting creatures. They have special flying capabilities, being able to fly up to fifty miles per hour without ever touching land for the first few years of their lives. In order to attain their food supply, these birds plunge into the first few feet of the ocean, collecting squid and fish. These birds are one of the only species that mate for life, only about 4% of them actually finding new mates. Only about two of the twenty-one species of albatross birds are not considered endangered, this is because of both natural disasters and because of food competition. Other animals also are harmful to their breeding systems. When a female bird finds a mate, and lays an egg, both the female and male fly out for long periods of time, finding both food and other nesting supplies for their eggs. However, sometimes, both due to natural disasters or predators the nests are compromised and the eggs are ruined.


2. What technology is being used by scientists to learn more about the albatros' habitat and niche? Give a basic description of GPS technology and also some of the problems the scientists are having with the technology.
Scientists are able to determine the location about these birds due to GPS tracking systems. Scientists can also determine when the birds are flying or nesting and resting. Depending on the temperature, researchers can find out if the bird is flying or getting food. The problem with this kind of technology is that they have to get these systems back in order to receive the information. This possibility is hard especially because so many of the birds are dying due to being caught in fishing nets and hooks.



3. Discuss one natural and one man-made disaster that are making it difficult for the albatros to increase its population size.

Natural disasters such as a storm in 1985, caused most of the nests to be washed away, causing not only a decrease in the eggs and chicks, but also a decrease in fertile soil. This prevented the birds from finding pertinent materials for their nests. A man-made detrimental effect is the competition between men and birds for food. The increase in fishing technology, has caused a decrease in the fish and squid for these birds.


4. Discuss two cases of how technology (other than GPS) is being used to preserve the albatros.
There are several programs, such as in New Zealand, which monitors the breeding and rearing of albatross chicks. In the cases of new mothers, the researchers take her egg away, giving it to another experienced couple, to avoid her stepping on it and breaking it. The researchers closely monitor the eggs and only interfere when absolutely necessary. They also turn the sprinklers on to prevent the birds from getting dehydrated. Fisherman have also decided to discard some of their unused portions of fish, giving the adult birds, who are the ones that are really in danger, a chance for survival. This reduces the amount of competition for food.

--Starfruit117

1. Briefly describe the albatros' habitat an niche. You should talk about the physical characteristics of the bird species, its population size, its geographic range, its feeding requirements, and its nesting and reproduction requirements. All of these are important in understanding why the bird is threatened.
Albatros’ tend to live on isolated islands like from the Crozet Islands in the Indian Ocean, to South Georgia in the South Atlantic, to Campbell Island and the Snares Islands in New Zealand. These are one of the largest seabirds with a wingspan almost up to 10 feet wide. They look white with usually a couple darker feathers. They have the ability of traveling for an extremely long time. They can fly up to 50 miles per hour and can fly about 500 miles a day and has the ability of locating there home no matter how far away they live. They have the ability to plunge a few feet to get their food: squid and fish. A baby albatross needs to be fed by both parents or they won’t feed. They take about a few years to find their mate and the females spend some time with male groups, called gams to pick their mate. Finally, during the fourth year, the female will choose a male and they will usually stay with their male for the rest of their life. They breed in the same spot year after year. The birds also have a long life span, up to 50 years. There are 21 different species of albatross.
2. What technology is being used by scientists to learn more about the albatros' habitat and niche? Give a basic description of GPS technology and also some of the problems the scientists are having with the technology.
Most scientists now utilize the GPS technology, which is a tracking device that they put on the albatross’ to follow where they go when they fly for so long. This can help the scientists have an idea of where they like to fish or how far they are able to fly. The problem is that if the bird were to die, the scientists would have trouble getting back the device. There are many problems such as the signal does not pick up when they fly away.
3. Discuss one natural and one man-made disaster that are making it difficult for the albatros to increase its population size.
One natural disaster that makes it difficult for the albatross population to increase is the storm surges which wash over the birds’ breeding sites in the Chathams, killing chicks and ruining the soil and vegetation on the island. The albatros lose their nesting material, making their breeding decrease from 50% to 3%. A man made problem that is making it difficult for their population to increase is the tools used in fishing such as the hooks and nets. Many of the birds get caught in these tools while trying to fish for squid.
4. Discuss two cases of how technology (other than GPS) is being used to preserve the albatros.
Scientists are using two different methods for trying to maximize the albatros’s reproduction and preserving the birds. If scientists notice that one of the parent birds is not returning, they will replace the egg with a fiber glass egg and put the real egg in an incubator. This has improved the success rate for living to 72% from 33%. The scientists also utilize a temperature tracking device to try to find out where they fly so they can try to help preserve their food resources.

--hibleaker

1. Albatross birds are most likely found in the North Pacific and Southern Oceans, nesting together on remote islands. Physically, albatrosses are one of the largest flying birds, and the great albatrosses have the widest wingspan of all living birds today. They are white with black feathers and wings, and have a long, yellow beak. As for feeding, part of the reason that they are becoming extinct is because they can only plunge a few feet under the ocean water for fish and squid. Another reason why albatrosses are extinct is because during mating season, only a single egg is laid in each breeding attempt.

2. Over the past twenty years, scientists have been using GPS loggers to track down the albatrosses and examine their habitat. GPS loggers are attached to the birds’ legs to track their flight. Because the loggers are sensitive to temperature, the scientists can tell when the birds are over water, when it is cooler, or in the air. The problem with this technology, however, is getting the loggers back. These birds die thousands at a time and fly over thousands of square miles of the ocean which makes it very difficult for scientists to reclaim their birds.

3. A natural disaster that has decreased the albatrosses’ population was in 1985 when a storm destroyed an island. Not only did it wipe out the population from 50% to 3%, but it also ruined the soil, making it nearly impossible for the birds to lay eggs. The man-made disasters include the birds being caught on fishing hooks, nets, and lines.

4. One method that is used to prevent the decrease of the birds is a ready supply of fish so that there will not be such a high competition for the albatrosses and other birds. Also, people in Taiaroa Head have helped the breeding process. The breeding success is now at 72%, and scientists say that without human help, it would have had a success of only 33%.

--ben folds

1. Albatrosses are extremely large sea birds. They are natives to the Chatam Islands located east of New Zealand. The Albatrosses have an amazing wingspan, up to 10 feet which enables them to sore to speeds of 50 miles per hour and go years without ever touching the ground. The Albatrosses are mainly white in color and have a diet consisting of mainly marine life some of which include fish and squid. The primary breeding grounds are located on volcanoes located on 570 feet above sea level. They produce 1 egg a year and when hatched they are consistently looked after and protected by their parents.

2. In order to learn about the Albatrosses scientists are tracking them with GPS. This allows scientists to track the birds’ movement and monitor their way of life. The tracking device is placed in the wing of the bird. With this GPS system it makes it much easier to learn and study their habitat and niche as well as flight patterns and activity. The only problem with the GPS is that it is difficult to get it back. The GPS much be removed from the bird and the birds are often killed or from the island when the time comes.

3. The man made disaster keeping the population from increasing is the excessive amount of fishing activity done in this part of the world. The fishermen use tools such as hooks, nets, and wires which kills many of these birds each year. A natural disaster that effects the population of this species is the predators that lurk on the island. Many animals such as wild cats feed on these birds especially the young, keeping the population from growing.

4. Two forms of technology that are being used to help preserve the population of the Albatrosses are incubators and the temperature sensors in the loggers. The incubators allow for the egg to receive the proper nourishment, proper temperature, and protection. The temperature sensors within the loggers allow the scientists to better track and speculate Albatrosses in order to keep them safe.

--$

1. Albatrosses usually live in isolated lands typically in the Southern Hemisphere. For example, the Campbell Island and Snares Islands in New Zealand or the Crozet Islands in the Indian Ocean. Albatrosses are among the larges sea birds. Some albatrosses known as the “great albatrosses” have wingspans that are as wide as 10 feet or more. They usually have a white plumage but sometimes the smaller albatrosses have combinations of black, white, brown, and gray plumage. An albatross’s usual diet consists of squid and fish. Unlike penguins, albatrosses can only dive in to the top few feet of the ocean. The fledglings have adapted into being slow maturing chicks because slow maturing chicks require less food. During a albatross’s adolescence, the chick learns where and when to find food. Albatrosses usually lay one egg that takes about 9 months to hatch. Therefore, the process of choosing a mate is crucial in an albatross’s life. Typically, females choose the mates.
2. Scientists are using technology to learn more about the albatross’s niche and habitat. Scientists attach GPS loggers onto the albatross’s to track where the albatross’s go while away on their long journeys. The information obtained from the GPS loggers is that the albatross have been flying to commercial fisheries to obtain their food. Many of the albatrosses die due to trawls or netting, therefore many GPS loggers are lost. Sometimes, it’s hard to find the same albatrosses with the GPS loggers too. Some loggers have temperature sensors. This is helpful because when the temperature sensor indicates lower temperatures, scientists infer that the albatrosses are in the water because water temperatures are lower than land temperatures.
3. One natural disaster is that the ferocious storms kill the albatrosses that are looking for food for their fledglings. Storms also kill the few eggs that are being laid. One manmade disaster are the fisheries. The trawls kill many albatrosses that fly to the fisheries to get food. Netting usually kills the smaller albatrosses. Another manmade disaster is the introduction of predators. Introduction of predators are rodents and feral cats.
4. Other than GPS technology, rangers have developed two ways to preserve the albatrosses. One way, is that when an albatross leave it’s mate for 15 days, the rangers will feed the albatross some pieces of salmon because the albatross can’t leave its egg. Another method is to incubate the eggs and give the albatross a fiberglass egg to sit on because in some cases the fathers don’t come. Sometimes adult albatrosses have died of heat exhaustion, so rangers turn on sprinklers during hot says to cool down the albatrosses.
--steve123

1. Albatros’ are native to the Chathan islands off the coast of New Zealand. These birds appear to be white with some dark spots and are very large having wing spans up to 10ft. They also are known for high flying speeds up to 50 mph. Albatrosses bread on volcanoes 570 feet high and reproduce one egg a year. Their diets consist of Marine life such as fish and squids.
2. New technology such as GPS is helping scientists learn more about the albatrosses. With new technology scientists are able to track the birds as well as study their every move. The loggers are placed in the birds wings. The few problems the scientists ran into is removing the loggers because the birds after die before they can have the logger taken out.
3. One man-made disaster keeping the population of Albatrosses from increasing is the large amount of commercial fishermen. Fishing equipment such as hooks, nets, and traw wires increase the rate of injury and death among these birds. One natural disaster that effects the population from growing is the harsh weather conditions. Storms and waves disrupts the breading cycle. Eggs are knocked off the platform which keeps the birds from population down.
4. Two cases of how technology is being used to preserve the albatross are incubators and water systems. The incubator keeps the eggs at proper conditions and away from any harm. Water systems are used to keep the albatross from over heating during warm weather conditions. These technological advancements have really helped save the population.

--snoopy

1. The Albatross is an oceanic bird that spends most of its life flying over the ocean, going for years without touching land. It’s habitat is often a small rock in the middle of the ocean that is bombarded by winds and waves; the Albatross takes refuge on dry land to mate. The Albatross can have over a 10 foot wingspan which has adapted to gliding over vast expanses of ocean without flapping. The population of Albatross, however, remains low because of feeding, nesting, and reproduction requirements. An Albatross finds its food in the ocean, but cannot stay under water for long periods of time. Also, Albatross take over 3 years to decide on a mate which they then breed with for life, and a young Albatross requires the care of two parents to reach adulthood.

2. To learn more about the albatross’ habitat, the scientists planted tracking GPS devices on the birds and color coded them with spray paint. GPS loggers can give a bird's position to within a few yards. Some loggers also have temperature sensors. By attaching them to the legs of their study birds, scientists can tell when the birds are flying and when they are resting or feeding on the sea, because the water is generally cooler than the air. The only way to scan all the information from the GPS system, however, is to get them back, and this is often impossible because many things can go wrong such as birds flying away or dying.

3. One natural disaster making life difficult for the Albatross is stormy weather. The weather can destroy the little pieces of land Albatrosses use to rest from their flights over the middle of the ocean. Also, storms destroy breeding ground and disturb fishing sites. Trawl fisheries are man made objects that pose a threat to the Albatross’s population. The birds get caught in these giant nets while feeding and are crushed or drowned to death.

4. Fishers in New Zealand have discovered that by discarding fish, they are providing an alternate food source for predatory birds who might otherwise feed on Albatross. Scientists also help out breeding Albatrosses that might otherwise not be able to carry out the breeding with a missing partner. This way, if a mate is lost, then the Albatross may be relieved of its breeding duty so neither the chick nor the adult dies.
--Cake.

1. Briefly describe the albatros' habitat and niche. You should talk about the physical characteristics of the bird species, its population size, its geographic range, its feeding requirements, and its nesting and reproduction requirements. All of these are important in understanding why the bird is threatened.

The albatross species is found mainly on the Chatham Islands off the east coast of New Zealand. Their nests are primarily located on the slopes of volcanoes, located nearly 570 feet above sea level. The albatros has the ability to fly nearly 50 mph and are able to fly thousands of miles before resting. They have a wingspan of about ten feet. The birds mate for life, and the journey may take years. The couple uses the same nest year after year, building upon remains. The infant must remain in its nest for nearly nine months, receiving massive amounts of attention from parents.


2. What technology is being used by scientists to learn more about the albatross' habitat and niche? Give a basic description of GPS technology and also some of the problems the scientists are having with the technology.

GPS technology is currently being used by scientists to learn more about the albatross’ habitat and niche. The GPS technology is a small device attached to the leg of the bird, which can then track the bird’s flight patterns. It is able to discern if the bird is resting, flying, and eating. Unfortunately, the devices are expensive and are difficult to recover, due to the fact that the birds can fly large distances and may be killed.


3. Discuss one natural and one man-made disaster that are making it difficult for the albatross to increase its population size.

Albatross populations are increasingly being affected by man-made and natural disasters. One man-made disaster is that fishing equipment poses a huge risk to the albatross when they are catching fish, as they can be trapped in hooks and nets. One natural disaster is massive storms. The storms wash away the nests, destroying the chick population. As seen in a 1985 storm, monsoon waves destroyed nests, destroyed the accumulated material left by previous nests. The nutrients are washed away, preventing a stable, homeostatic environment to form for future hatchlings.

4. Discuss two cases of how technology (other than GPS) is being used to preserve the albatros.
There are two cases of technology, other than GPS, that are being uses to preserve albatross populations. First, fishermen dump discarded fish near adult populations, the demographic which is in immediate danger, so they have a constant supply of food. A second advancement used to protect eggs, is an incubator. Eggs are removed from the parents, where they may be accidentally damaged, and placed in an environment that provides the nourishment, necessary temperature, and environment that a hatchling needs in order to survive this critical stage.

--Red

1. Briefly describe the albatross' habitat and niche. You should talk about the physical characteristics of the bird species, its population size, its geographic range, its feeding requirements, and its nesting and reproduction requirements. All of these are important in understanding why the bird is threatened. The albatross is a large bird that travels over water for over 50 miles at a time. They have relatively large bills and two nostrils that open up towards the top of their bills. Its population size is about 30,000 birds that fly through the oceans mainly in the southern hemisphere. In order to reproduce and expand, the birds need to have a warm climate, plenty of food, and perfect weather. Without these favorable conditions, Albatross do not usually mate.
2. What technology is being used by scientists to learn more about the albatross' habitat and niche? Give a basic description of GPS technology and also some of the problems the scientists are having with the technology. In order to study and find the Albatross’ habitat and trend of movement, scientists are using GPS technology with infrared and sonar detection systems. However, even though these systems are good, they can sometimes detect other animals or atmospheric abnormalities. The scientists are doing the best they can to find out more about these birds and what they can do to foster the species’ growth and migration.
3. Discuss one natural and one man-made disaster that are making it difficult for the albatross to increase its population size. One natural disaster that can hinder albatross growth is an intense storm. Since the albatross usually nests on rocky, uninhabited islands that have little shelter from the elements, it is not very uncommon for many eggs not to make it through hatching. Also, oil spills can contribute to the death of many albatross. Since their diet consists mainly of fish, an oil spill would kill that area’s fish and kill any birds that would accidentally dive into it.
4. Discuss two cases of how technology (other than GPS) is being used to preserve the albatross. In order to prevent albatross populations from dying out and going extinct, scientists are beginning to preserve albatross eggs artificially. Instead of leaving it to chance to see whether or not the egg will hatch, scientists are taking the eggs and putting them into incubators. Also, many fishermen are beginning to use their leftover bait and unusable fish parts to help feed large albatross populations around the southern oceans.


--Doc

1. Briefly describe the albatross' habitat and niche. You should talk about the physical characteristics of the bird species, its population size, its geographic range, its feeding requirements, and its nesting and reproduction requirements. All of these are important in understanding why the bird is threatened.

The albatross is native to the Pacific Ocean, and is rarely seen in the Atlantic Ocean. It has a huge wingspan which allows it to glide efficiently and with little energy expenditure for years at a time. Albatrosses feast on krill, shrimp, and fish which live towards the top of the ocean. They are unique in their reproduction in that they mate for life, something uncommon among birds. Albatrosses are colonial birds, which means that a huge number of the birds live on small islands which are uninhabited by humans. The birds undergo complex rituals to attract mates and once a mate is found, the two birds work together until the egg has hatched. It is also important to note that the overwhelming majority of albatross species are threatened.


2. What technology is being used by scientists to learn more about the albatros' habitat and niche? Give a basic description of GPS technology and also some of the problems the scientists are having with the technology.
Scientists are currently using GPS technology to track where and what albatrosses are doing around the world. GPS technology involves placing a tracking device on the birds and using satellites to track where the birds are. However, if the birds are unable to be retrieved these tracking devices will be useless because the information gathered by these devices can never be analyzed.


3. Discuss one natural and one man-made disaster that are making it difficult for the albatros to increase its population size.
The most common natural disaster which has an impact on albatrosses are storms. Storms can disrupt the breeding grounds of the birds and throw them off course from their flight paths. One man-made disaster which is affecting the albatross is fishing lines which accidentally catch the birds and kill them.


4. Discuss two cases of how technology (other than GPS) is being used to preserve the albatros.
Across the world scientist are doing their part to help the albatross. Many programs now exist which secure albatross eggs and insure that they can hatch and become full albatross adults. Also, many countries have signed specific treaties which mean to help the albatross from human impacts.

--Green12

1. The albatross has one of the widest wingspans of any bird at over ten feet. Although most of the species of the albatross are white, there are some species that have black, brown and gray plumage. One the most amazing characteristics of this bird is that it spends the first six or seven years of its life without touching the ground. Also, the albatross has a lifespan of about 50 years. Most of the species of albatross live in the Southern Hemisphere but there are some that live in Japan. Another interesting fact about these birds is that they have an adolescent life of about 12 years and the slow-maturing birds actually need food less than the fast-maturing ones. Also, in order for a chick, baby albatross, to receive all of the nutrition that it needs, there needs to be not only a female parent, but also a male parent. When these animals search for a partner, it usually takes several years. While searching for a partner, the albatross spends time in groups known as gams. Also, females primarily choose who their mate will be, not the men. The breeding process is very interesting. The female gets herself very fat in order to prepare. Then, she lays eggs. One negative aspect to the breeding process is its length. It takes a long time in order to procreate which leaves the eggs and newborns vulnerable to various predators like rodents and cats. Some species of albatross can travel at a speed of 50 mph and cover 500 miles a day. Albatross are believed to be able to predict weather because they were found to avoid high winds if a storm was approaching. The population of this amazing bird is declining each year because of predators and illegal human fishing. Of the 21 species of albatross that exist, 19 of those are threatened with extinction. One population of albatross in New Zealand has only 140 of the animal.

2. Scientists are using GPA technology in order to track the birds. These GPS loggers can locate the bird to within a few yards and some can take the temperature. These loggers are being used by scientists to find out where the birds fly to and where they rest or feed. The problem with this technology is that it is expensive and scientists try to get the loggers back. However, because of the extended periods of time that some the birds take without coming back to land, it is difficult for scientists to retrieve them.

3. One man-made disaster that is making it difficult for the albatross to increase its population size is commercial fishing operations. Tens of thousands of these birds are killed by illegal fishing. In order to allow the albatross population to sufficiently grow, illegal fishing and killing of these birds needs to stop. One natural disaster that is making it difficult for the albatross to increase its population size is storm surges. For example, in 1985, a huge storm hit breeding islands in the Chathams. This killed many birds and caused breeding success to drop from 50% to 3%.

4. Two cases of how technology is being used to preserve the albatross are incubation and sprinkler systems. With incubation, scientists can take the egg away from first-time breeders because they are typically clumsy and break eggs. Then, they can place the egg in an incubator where chances of success rise to 72% from 33%. Sprinkler systems allow scientists to save birds who would have otherwise died of heat exhaustion.

--viv123

1. The albatros have the capability to fly 50 mph and go years without touching the land. They live near New Zealand on black volcanic slopes. They are easily moved by the wind currents. Albatros are one of the largest sea birds with a wingspan of over ten feet. They eat shrimp, fish and krill. Unlike other birds, albatros mate for life. They are also smart and can predict the weather. They hae a huge population which is greatly threatened to the extent of possible extinction soon.
2. GPS technology is being used by scientists to learn more about the albatros' havitat and niche. The GPS technology includes a tracking device that is used as a satellite on the birds. This allows the scientists to see when the birds are at all times and to study their environment. Scientists may have problems with the GPS tracking that the devices sometimes pick up other animals as well as the albator birds.
3. A natural disaster that is making it difficult for the albatros to increase population size is the disruptive weather conditions such as major storms that disrupt their reproductive cycles. A man-made disaster is the fishing lines that will sometimes catch the birds instead of fish and accidentally kill them.
4. Two other cases of how technology is being used to preserve the albatros are preserving albatros eggs so they are ensured a safe and healthy environment to hatch and survive in. This way the baby birds will have no trouble surviving against enemies. The second case of technology that is being used to preserve the albatros is when the fishers leave a ready supply of fish for the birds which acts as an alternate food source and eliminates much of the competition.
--beluga

1. The albatrosses live in the Chatham Islands, which is east of New Zealand. They live on a fang on rock rearing 570 feet out of the sea which is called the Pyramid. They are also found in the Crozet Islands, South Georgia, Cambell Island, and Snares Island which is where many researches go to see them. They have plangent wails and strange kazoo like cackles and have shaggy wings. Their wing span is about 10 feet long. The adult albatrosses bring seafood meals to their offspring. They look white in flight, they are able to glide over vast tracts of ocean without flapping their wings. They spend their first 6 years of life never touching land. The female albatrosses choose a male they want to mate with. The females have to be fat to breed. It takes very long for them to produce a chick which is a reason why they are so rare.
2. High tech tracking device, GPS, are allowing scientists to fill in gaps of our knowledge about where the albatrosses roam and where they come into lethal contact with fishing operations. GPS can give a birds position within a few years and they also contain temperature sensors. It is attached to the birds legs. The scientists can tell when and where the birds are flying and when they are resting or feeding on the sea, they can tell that because of the temperature sensor. The problem with GPS is that its not guaranteed. Sometimes the birds flying for years over the ocean so lots can go wrong especially by the fishing grounds where many of them die.
3. The biggest threat to albatrosses today happen in adult birds. They are locked in a competitive battle with humankind for the food resources of the sea and the birds are losing.
4.Scientists are currently helping in the process of the egg hatching by replacing an egg that probably wont survive to a fake fiberglass that looks the exact same. They incubate the egg and when its time to hatch they replace it with the real egg. Another is by reducing fish competition because many albatross are killed near fisheries.
--Pink

1. This question was answerred mostly correctly. Everyone answerred in great detail about the physical characteristics and mating. The answers to this question were really well done. Viv123 gave an extremely detailed answer to this question that was quite extraordinary. They meantioned everything one could possible know about albatrosses.
2. This question was very straightforward. The answer to this question came straight out of the article, and was really clear and and understandable. Most people answerred this question the same way, with the same correct answer.
3. Everyone had pretty much the same answer to the second part of this question. The man-made disaster that is greatly affecting the albatrosses is commercial fishing and everyone meantioned this. The first part to this question, however, had two correct answers and everyone touched upon either one of those. Storms as well as the introduction of predators such as ferile cats are destroying the albatross population. I think it is important for everyone to know these two natural disasters and not just the one that they found or answerred with.
4. Most people answerred this question correctly, using the examples provided in the article. Viv321, however, meantioned a sprinkler system that scientists are using to help the albatrosses survive that would have died from heat. People should realize that there are more technologies being used and created to help the albatrosses even though they were not specified in the article. This example was not necessary however it was really great and showed yet another technology the scientists are using.
--Pisces

1. Everyone basically describes the albatross correctly but the answers were missing detail. Everyone did not answer all of the questions asked.
2. Everyone basically understood the process of using the GPS trackers and the difficulty that comes along with using them is retrieving them.
3. Mostly everyone listed both a man-made and natural disaster that affects the Albatross’. The most common answer was commercial fishing. When fishermen are fishing the Albatross get stuck in the nets.
4. One major way that we have helped Albatross is feeding them and keeping them in incubators. We have all learned that it is important to preserve all of the species in danger.

--Tiny Bopper

1. The albatross is a rare bird, with only 21 species found in the islands of New Zealand. The bird calls the side of a volcano, or “the pyramid”, home and makes its nests there. This rare bird is also an amazing bird, able to fly at speeds of 50 miles per hour and able to fly for YEARS without touching land thanks to their long wingspan of 10 incredible feet. A baby albatross weighs only 50 percent the weight of a full-grown adult albatross, so when feeding, the mother bird needs to make sure to feed the growing chick with extra fatty foods.

2. When attempting to learn more about the albatross, scientists often use the help of G.P.S. technology. Applying a track device to the shoulder-blades of the bird, scientists are able to see the bird at flight on a computer monitor much like a terminal can see planes on its tracking monitor. Although this kind of technology provides scientists with much data and information concerning this mysterious, rare bird, retrieving the devices after use poses a problem. When scientists are finished monitoring the birds, in order to retrieve their tracking devices in tact they much catch the bird again. However, more often than not, the bird is either far at sea or dead when scientists need the devices back.

3. Due to the albatross’ nesting areas on islands in the ocean, storms (storms, hurricanes, tsunamis, etc.) pose a definite threat for the birds survival. Nature’s wrath is the most common source of trouble for the albatross, but man-made inconveniences pose a problem as well. Fishermen often accidentally catch albatross in their fishing nets, tangling the birds in the net and often killing them before being able to rescue the birds.

4. Next to G.P.S. devices, incubators and human-feeding are common uses of technology which are being utilized in the preservation of the endangered albatross. With the fight for food and the threat of predators, albatross chicks often do not get sufficient amounts of food, and wither away. Thanks to incubators and human-feeding, humans are able to help the growing albatross chicks reach adulthood and increase the population.
--CaptainPlanet

1. I think everyone understood this answer. However, I also think that this quesiton required a lengthy and thorough answer. Viv123 and hibleaker did really goood jobs by going into the mating rituals. Way to go above and beyond guys!
2. Most everyone got this one right because not only did they mention the advantages to GPS technology, but they also mentioned the disadvantages. For example, many albatrosses that are tracked sometimes die.
3. Everyone pretty much got the idea on this one. But I'm not sure if predators on the island is a natural or manmade disaster. I put that predators on the island is a manmade disaster because humans introduced these animals to the island. However, S seems to think the opposite.
4. Again, everyone understood this question, but I think that Snoopy could've added more details to their question. Viv123 included information about a sprinkler system which was impressive.
--steve123

1. Almost everyone answered this question completely, however, some people did not go into great detail about the species. This question required a thorough answer, just as viv123 did. Some people did not answer all the questions asked to be discussed. Thank you steve123.
2. This answer came right from the text, so almost everyone answered the question correctly. Many people discussed the issue of the GPS systems getting lost when their are abnormalities with the atmosphere and when the birds die.
3. Mostly everyone answered correctly about the man made and natural disaster that cause difficulty for the albatross to increase. I especially thought that Captain planet had a thorough answer about the hurricanes and the fishermen.
4. I don't think anyone answered incorrectly because there were many possible answers. The most popular answer involved the incubator and the sprinklers. Good job!
--hibleaker

1. I think everyone answered this pretty well, I liked how some people went into great detail about the albatross.
2. Everyone basically wrote similar answers in describing GPS tracking and the advantages and disadvantages associated with it. I personally dont think the GPS tracking system is very reliable because of all the disadvantages. It would be beneficial to find alternate ways to track these birds.
3.Although I did not write it in my respone to this question, I do agree with those who added that the extreme weather conditions played a major role in the population decline of the albatross. I also believe that the predators hunting the birds is natural because those predators hunt the birds anyway. Predation is a natural cause of population decline.
4.Everyone basicaly got this answer, I agree with everyone's responses about the way the scientists incubate the eggs for the albatrosses until they hatch.
--Bluedog16

1. I agree with the previous two posters in that most people answered this response well but most people needed to go into more detal. In fact, I think I should have gone into more detail like viv123.
2. Most people also answered this correctly, but a few people (like me) needed to fully answer the question by also discussing the negative aspects of GPS trackers.
3. Most people also answered this correctly, as there were a number of different things to choose from. I like the way Red clearly differentiated between manmade and natural disasters.
4. Like the last question, this question had a lot of different possible responses and most people answered it well. I like the way most people were specific and explained the way the scientists are currently helping the albatross.

--tim

1. Vivi123 had a good description of the birds. She mentioned that their wingspan was up to 10 feet. She really described how amazing these birds are. She also went into amazing detail
about the reproductive process.
2. Doc mentioned the various ways that scientists are using to track and monitor the birds. He also mentioned that they are doing everything that they can to monitor their growth and learn about their habitats.
3. Tiny bopper said that the storms knock over the eggs in their nests. The mothers can't easily turn the eggs back over. Thus this is another setback that the birds face. In my answer i noted that the storms effect the birds, but tiny bopper went into detail.
4. In my answer I noted that fishermen are throwing their discarded fish into the ocean for the albatros to reduce food competition. Rilio Kiely also mentioned that this added food supply would decrease the amounts of predators for the baby chicks. If the predators have more access to food in the ocean they would be less likely to eat the baby chicks and the eggs.
3.
--Starfruit117

1.CaptainPlanet had a very good description of how the albatross can fly for so many years and did not simply just say: "they can fly for years". The reproductive process is something a few people missed but I think its more important to focus on the mating rituals and not so much the process.
2. Everyone got the GPS part, but we have to keep in mind that GPS also allows us to see where the bird is. We may not be able to retrieve the data from the recorders, but we can still track where the birds are.
3. We can all assume that storms are the most dangerous to the albatross, but for human caused disasters, we can be much more creative. Anything from pollution to fishing nets can prevent the albatross from being successful. So there is definitely more than one possible answer.
4. I think its possible that we could talk about the treaty which specifically protected the albatross. We can also talk about the many organizations which do hands on activities to help the birds and the acts of fishermans which throw fish overboard to feed them.
--Green12

1. Most people gave good description of the birds. However, I think that hibleaker and Viv123 described each characteristic of the birds in great detail.
2. Everyone answered this correctly. Some people could have explained more about the flaws to see how scientists are using the GPS system wisely.
3. Doc's answer was very thorough. It not only states the man-made and natural disasters, but it expands on the these disasters have affected the birds' lives.
4. There are more than two technologies that are being used to protect the birds. Most people mentionted the incubation system that ensures a safe place for the eggs to hatch. I think that this system is very important to save the albatros from extinction.
--beluga

1. Although I like Captain Planet's description of the bird's abilities and geographic location, I feel that he forgot to describe its physical characteristics in detail.
2. The GPS part of the scientific tools has been covered by most all of the students.
3. I feel that those students who wrote about the ill-effects of weather on the albatross population covered the main reason for why the population is not growing quickly.
4. Most students cited the incubators as methods of preserving the population. Everybody did a good job including more than one way scientists are attempting to help the population along.
--Doc

1. Everyone touched on the birds' eating habits and how they mate for life. TinyBopper said that dead chicks make up the nesting for the birds. I didnt know that. interesting.
2. everybodys answer was similar. I agree with bluedog that the GPS isnt very helpful because it also aids in the birds extinction. the devices can get caught onto different things.
3. A good example of a man made disaster are fisherman catching albatros food. Theyre food supply is being depleted and this leads to a decrease in population.
4. I dont think the best way to preserve the albatros' is by incubating them. Its not a natural environment for them, and they wont develop the true characteristics of the albatros bird.
--RiloKiley

1. I think everyone had the same answers to this question. Some people went into more detail than others for example Vivi123 did an excellent and thorough job.
2. I feel that everyone gave decent descriptions of the GPS technology and the positives and negavites of the technology.
3. Most people answered this question correctly. I liked Bluedog16's answer about Albatross being keenly vulneable to threats on thier breeding islands and the threat of fishing.
4. There are more than two cases of how technology is being used to preserve the albatros but I thought starfruit117 had a intresting answer talking about the water system used to help hydrate the birds.
--snoopy

1. Everyone cited specific examples from the article.
2. Everyone had the correct answer on the tracking device. I believe that it is a good form of technology because it is the most exact way of tracking the birds.
3. There were good examples from everyone. I liked Tinyboopers answer because he/she went on by saying why the storm surges were disasterous.
4. Everyone had the same answers. THe most popular was the incubator. Steve123 did a good job is tieing in the incubator and water system.
--hershey

1. Everyone seemed to answer this question correctly. Tiny Bopper, especially, knew the exact locations of where these birds are found.
2. Rilo Kiley was very specific when talking about the GPS loggers. Although they are very effective, their major setback is that they are hard to retrieve.
3. I agree with hibleaker's theory of why the birds are becoming extinct through man-made and natural disasters. Hibleaker noted that not only are the birds becoming extinct with each storm, but also that their soil for nesting is decreasing.
4. Viv123's answer was interesting about the sprinklers and rejuvinating the water and soil. I also agree that the bird's eggs should only be in the hands of perfessionals.
--ben folds

1. Despite iffy grammar, I think Pie answered the first question well, and even had information I didn't notice. For example, that the Albatross' primary breeding grounds is on a volcano?
2. Basically, Pie and I have similar answers regarding the description of the GPS logger.
3. Pie and I used the same two examples for number 3! wow! Pie should have been more specific in explain the trawl fisheries, however, or just even mentioned that the commercial fishing problem was the result of the trawl fisheries.
4. Pie included the example of cooling off Albatross that are suffering from heat exaustion by turning on sprinklers. This i did not know. Well done, Pie, well done.
--Cake.

1. Everyone answered the question correctly being that there were many things to describe the birds. Some went into great detail and others were a bit more vauge.

2. For the most part evryone basiclly had similar answers although some people forgot to add specific details that could have made their answe, for instince the location of the GPS in the birds.

3. There were no real wrong answers to this question although Viv123's answer about the fisheries were very good.

4. After reading the various answeres i like snoopy's answer about the water system that keeps the birds cool and keep them from over heating.
--$

1. Everyone seemed to answer this question correctly especially Tiny Bopper who went into great detail.
2. Everyone answered this question how it was supposed to be answered about GPS, it came straight from the article.
3. I agree with viv123 because illegal fishing does need to stop especially because so many birds are dying because of a human mistake.
4. Mostly everyone got the same answer about aiding in the process of egg hatching except viv123 mentioned sprinkler systems which many people did not talk about.

1. Everyone seemed to answer this question correctly especially Tiny Bopper who went into great detail.
2. Everyone answered this question how it was supposed to be answered about GPS, it came straight from the article.
3. I agree with viv123 because illegal fishing does need to stop especially because so many birds are dying because of a human mistake.
4. Mostly everyone got the same answer about aiding in the process of egg hatching except viv123 mentioned sprinkler systems which many people did not talk about.
-- pink

1. TinyBopper answered this question precisely. With her confident response, she seems like she knows alot about albatross niches; a real expert. She mentioned the wingspan of the bird, the eating and feeding habits, the living conditions, location of habitat, and special abilities of the bird.. all useful things to know when considering the niche of a species.

2. In my analysis of the other students’ responses, I couldn’t overlook that Pink got this answer correct. She, or maybe he, talked about the tracking devices used to track the movement of the birds.

3. Viv123 referred to commercial fishing and storms as contributors to the death of albatross. I didn’t think Viv123 would get this extremely tricky question, but upon further reading, I couldn’t believe my eyes when she did! In fact, everyone did! Storms and commercial fishing are indeed contributing factors to the death of albatross.

4. I agreed with only HALF of Red’s answer to this question. Yes, incubators are technology used by humans to help preserve the declining albatross population, however, dumping dead fish into an ocean is not technology; that’s been done already and it’s called “polluting the ocean.”
--Captain Planet

1. I think viv123 gave a good answer for this question, simply because of the length. Viv123 went into great detail on the albatross' breeding grounds.
2. Everyone had similar answers to this. All mentioned the GPS that is involved in tracking the flight of the albatross.
3. Again, everyone had similar answers to this question. All mentioned the fisheries that accidentally catch the albatross in their nets and the storm surges that cause adult albatross to lose their eggs.
4. Many people answered the question by mentioning the alternate food sources that fisheries provide the albatross when they throw over extra bait, of which I didn't notice when reading the article.
--Pie

First, i think that people need to really focus more on the last question, as that is an important point.

Second, more people should have more information on the disaster question, as that is important to learn of why the species is declining.
--Red

blah

Grades for Initial (10 points possible) and follow-up (5 points possible) posts
You can see comments about your posts by downloading the word document posted on the discussion homepage
Beluga – 8, 5
Pisces – 9.5, 5
TinyBopper – 9, 5
Green12 – 9, 5
Rilokiley – 8.5, 5
Cake – 8.5, 5
$ - 9, 5
hibleaker – 9.5, 5
benfolds – 9, 5
Viv123 – 10, 0
Pie – 9, 5
Hershey – 9, 5
CaptainPlanet – 0, 5
Steve123 – 9, 5
Bluedog16 – 9.5, 5
Pink – 7, 5
GoldenGopher – 10, 5
Starfruit117 – 9, 5
Tim – 9.5, 5
Red – 8.5, 4
Snoopy – 8.5, 5
Doc – 9.5, 5
Savetheplanet – 10, 5

--Ms. Koontz