Assignment Part 1:
For this discussion, present and defend an argument for why humans should care about algae or marine plants using a specific example species and particular value not directly discussed by Mouritsen. This value could be ecological, related to human health or economics, or some other novel "value" that you identify, but should be a very specific example (ex: "Species X x is an important food sources for millions of people in Region Y, as they consume it in Z quantities annually..."). Need Assignment Help?
Your argument should be no more than 200 words.
Assignment Part 2:
Once you've described and justified the basic "value," go a step further and try to actually monetize this species. What is the hidden or untapped value of this species that you'd like to try to pitch to potential financial backers? This is a very real-world scenario: algae are increasingly serving as major, economically viable sources of food, energy, medicine, fertilizer, etc.
In 100 words or less, describe your viable and defended (using the primary literature to back you up) scheme to strike it rich with "green gold."
You should primarily rely on peer-reviewed scientific journal article primary literature - however, for this assignment, good articles from reputable news sources or non-research-based popular science sources may be used, too.