short answer

part 1

Visit the Web site showing the Endangered Species list of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: www.fws.gov/endangered/­

1. Select the state of Maryland and scroll down to see the animals and plants that are threatened or endangered there.
2. Select one you are not familiar with.  
3. Research how this species contributes to its ecosystem.
4. Based on your research, relate your species to possible “ecosystem services” discussed at the National Wildlife Federation’s site.

part 2

Review the U.N.’s eight Millennium Development Goals here: www.un.org/millenniumgoals/

With the MDG Indicator in mind (Textbook 1, Section 9.3.6, p. 469), answer these questions:

1. Are any of the eight goals from the UN website particularly unrealistic—describe, in detail, why you think so (or not).
2. Is the MDG Indicator useful for tracking our progress with these eight goals? Why or why not? Cite specific examples.