Mango Tree Research Paper

Producers in an ecosystem are typically plants and other autotrophic organisms. The Hot Zone by Richard Preston indicates that mango trees and African grasses serve as producers in their respective ecosystems. The mango tree is native to central Africa. Mango trees achieve heights of 90ft and widths of 80ft because of their deep-set roots and stable bases (Wanitprapha). The mango tree belongs to genus Mangifera and the most common mango species is Mangifera indica. The mango is a food source for frugivores; its soft skin allows many species access to its sugary pulp. Guinea grass is another producer on the African continent. Guinea grass is the favored food for all grazing herbivores that inhabit the savannahs. This absolute favoritism stems

The Ebola viruses are included in genus Ebolavirus, family Filoviridae. The HIV virus is a member of genus Lentivirus, family Retroviridae. The Ebola and HIV diseases originated in Africa and stemmed human interactions with non-human primates. The diseases were passed from animal to human through zoonosis. HIV and Ebola are transmitted primarily through contact with infected bodily fluids. Both viruses attack the immune system, which effectively neutralizes the body’s ability to muster any significant biological defense. The Ebola virus does not wage a protracted war with the body because the disease kills usually kills it host within a week. Once infected patients have a survival rate of just over 10% (Waterman). Conversely, HIV does not kill its host; rather it progresses slowly into a terminal form of the virus known as AIDS. AIDS has a mortality rate of .114% per 100 person-years (Top). Symptoms of Ebola include vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external hemorrhaging. Symptoms of HIV consist of a fever, large tender lymph nodes, throat inflammation, a rash, headache, and sores of the mouth and genitals. The HIV virus’ molecular structure is comprised of “the viral core (or capsid), which is usually bullet-shaped and is made from the protein p24. Inside the core are three enzymes

Richard Preston recognizes that “AIDS is the jungle’s natural response to a major human incursion” (pg. 407). This human incursion involves the destruction of tranquil and sequestered jungle expanses. The causation between the proliferation of the AIDS virus amongst the human population and rampant jungle alterations is startling. As humans encroach upon jungles, they disrupt the quality of water, air, and soil. This results in the dissemination of fatal pathogens among the invading human population. For example, when man permanently changes a region’s topography to build villages, animals are compelled to seek habitats that are more suitable. This subsequently increases human and animal interactions, and previously dormant diseases such as Ebola and HIV make a ruinous