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Evaluates a thematic program designed for use in introductory biology courses. Main objectives include the following: to provide relevancy of biological concepts beyond the classroom, be process oriented, integrate units within a biology course, teach for higher-order thinking, and expand the use of resources beyond the textbook. (CCM)

One of the major threats to tropical forests throughout the world is the frequency and intensity with which local people use forests for subsistence. Kakamega Forest in Kenya is one such forest, in which fuelwood harvest is a primary use. The Kenya Forest Service and Kenya Wildlife Service have tried to regulate subsistence harvesting in this forest. However, high human population density (c. 542 people per km2) and extreme poverty leave local people little choice but to use forest resources to survive. We investigated patterns of wood use by people across Kakamega Forest. Our results indicate that wood harvesters prefer indigenous as opposed to non-indigenous wood, as the former sells for a premium price. Harungana madagascariensis and Psidium guajava were the most harvested indigenous and non-indigenous woods, respectively. Our data suggest that because market economies seem to drive forest use, perhaps they can be used to incentivize forest conservation. Proper integration of economic forest conservation interventions, economic diversification, and effective forest management are needed to protect Kakamega Forest. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The viability and effectiveness of forestry-based carbon projects depends on the accurate estimation of carbon stocks as well as understanding the variables that influence carbon stocks, including human activity. However, for much of Africa, accurate, ground-based measurements are few, forests have centuries of human use, and the variables that influence forest biomass and carbon stocks are not well understood. The objectives of this study were to use field-based sampling to estimate aboveground biomass (and associated carbon stocks), and explore AGB variation in relation to forest stand characteristics and human biomass removal in an African tropical forest that lies in a transitional ecological zone between lowland equatorial and moist montane forest. We quantified tree densities, estimated plot aboveground biomass (AGB) using pan-tropical allometric equations, and estimated human biomass removal in four regions of Kakamega Forest in western Kenya that varied in historical and current human use. Our carbon stock estimate (173.3 MgC ha −1 ) was above large biome averages for moist tropical forests. Diameter of the largest tree, stem densities of large trees, and wood density were the most important variables influencing biomass, accounting for over 75% of the variation. While historical disturbance influenced biomass removal, we did not find that this disturbance or biomass removal significantly influenced AGB. The reason was that most biomass removal involves trees in small size classes, which are insignificant contributors to biomass. Our findings provide a field based estimate of carbon stocks for a transitional tropical forest. We also conclude that processes (both natural and anthropogenic) which influence the presence and health of species which can attain large size will have the greatest impact on biomass, while processes that influence stem densities of small trees will have no measurable effect. The application of these findings for forestry-based carbon projects would translate to the need for special attention being paid to activities which prevent or minimize loss of large dense trees (e.g. charcoal production, selective logging) if the carbon stock of a forest is to be maintained. On the other hand, activities which limit subsistence use in terms cutting small stems (e.g. energy efficient stoves), might not have measureable immediate effects on carbon stocks and the financial outcomes associated with the generation and sale of the carbon credits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on how to design a biology course relevant to education and process-oriented. Main objectives of thematic program; Activities included in the study of introductory biology; Objectives in the formulation of the program; Sample program involving the case of a village who experienced malaria epidemics.