Ecosystem models on display at PU

A model on biogeochemical cycles received the first position.

LAHORE:

The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG) at Punjab University organised an exhibition and competition of ecosystems models on Saturday.

The students, working in groups, presented models on carbon cycles, sulfur cycles, the aquatic ecosystem, global warming, biogeochemical cycles, the savanna ecosystem, nitrogen cycles, and human impact on forest ecosystems.

Department Chairperson Anjum Nasim Sabri said the study of ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles was very important. She said one could highlight the significance of environmental protection through knowledge of factors that operated in an ecosystem. She said due to a lack of awareness of ecology, Pakistan’s environment was becoming heavily polluted with contaminants from human beings.

The three best models were selected by a team of judges comprising Razi Abbas Shamsi, Dr Basharat Ali and Dr Imran Sajid. A model on biogeochemical cycles designed by Aroona Ejaz, Rushda Tariq, Aimon Khursheed and Ayesha Rahat received the first position. The second position was awarded to a model by Shiza Ali, Sadia, Kiran Nasir, Ibrar Iqbal and Maryum. The model that came in third was about human impact on forests by Alishba Fayyaz, Shanzay and Ambreen Naz.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 25^th, 2014.