Endangerment and Conservation in the Anthropocene
The Anthropocene is characterized by human impact on Earth’s biology, climate, chemistry, and geology, which is leading to the sixth mass extinction. The increase in human activities such as industrialization and deforestation has reshaped habitat, redirected the evolutionary trajectory, and altered...
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| Other Authors: | , , , , |
| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English unknown |
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Oregon State University
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| Online Access: | https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/honors_college_theses/6969z8846 |
| Summary: | The Anthropocene is characterized by human impact on Earth’s biology, climate, chemistry, and geology, which is leading to the sixth mass extinction. The increase in human activities such as industrialization and deforestation has reshaped habitat, redirected the evolutionary trajectory, and altered selection pressures for species all over the world. This thesis used lenticular printed artworks to convey the research and findings on the population health status of three species: Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaengliae), Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus), and Sumatran Orangutans (Pongo abelii). Lenticular printing technology was utilized for its ability to display transitions between bleak outlooks and thriving populations of the three species. Humpback Whales, once hunted to the brink of extinction due to historic whaling, were chosen as a token example of how effective conservation efforts can recover a population. Polar Bears, historically stable, now face indirect, but significant, threats due to climate change. This species was featured because their future viability could be protected if proper measures are taken to mitigate global greenhouse emissions. Conversely, the future of Sumatran Orangutans is gravely threatened by continued deforestation and associated pressures such as hunting that follow from habitat loss. This thesis synchronously uses art and science, pertaining to the aforementioned species, to increase public awareness so that proper political action can be taken to enhance conservation efforts, benefiting all endangered animals and the humans who value them. Keywords: Art, Endangered Species, Conservation, Anthropocene, Polar Bear, Humpback Whale, Sumatran Orangutan, Lenticular Printing |
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