Real-Life Communication
Environmental scientists have to communicate their findings and
observations. "Writing is especially important because we have to write so
many reports," says Marion Houlbrook, an environmental scientist. "Technical
writing skills are a crucial part of the job."
She says good reading
skills are essential. "Reading is also important because you have to review
reports and understand their content," says Houlbrook.
You are an environmental
scientist interested in forestry practices on the coast. You are particularly
interested in increasing the industry use of the hemlock tree. There are two
different types of hemlock: mountain and western. You read a report about
the trees in order to learn more about their similarities and differences:
Hemlock
Report:
Western hemlocks can be recognized by their tops, which
droop rather than stand straight. These trees can grow as tall as 167 feet
in good coastal soil. They prefer wet areas and can grow at altitudes up to
4,920 feet.
Young trees can often grow from stumps and fallen logs.
The wood of the western hemlock is white and quite hard. This tree is most
often used in the pulp and paper industry, but is also used for interior finishes,
crates and poles.
Mountain hemlock grows best in deep moist soils on
slopes with northern exposure. It is usually found at altitudes between 2,460
and 5,905 feet.
The mountain hemlock can grow as a small shrub-like
bush at high elevations. It is usually 26 feet to 53 feet tall. It has the
same drooping tip as the western hemlock.
The mountain hemlock and
western hemlock are used for similar purposes in industry. The mountain hemlock
is used for pulp and paper, for interior finishes or for general construction
such as siding, flooring, plywood, railway ties, boxes and crates.
As
you read the report, you jotted down the following questions. What answers
did you find?
Questions
- Which type of tree is taller?
- What characteristic do the two types share?
- What sorts of objects are produced from mountain hemlock?
- Which type can live at higher altitudes?