China's one child policy again and more on sand dunes too!

The 'chatroom' where I network with other Geography teachers (sad but true) has been busy today and I have picked up a couple of links to pass on to you.

Firstly, there is a good article on the BBC website today (click image above to link) describing the effects that increasing wealth in some sectors of Chinese society is having on their one child policy. It seems that the nouveau riche, mainly to be found in urban areas, can easily afford to pay fines for flouting the policy. It is estimated that 10% of the rich and famous in China have three children!

The second link is to a website produced by the Field Studies Council (click on the logo to link). You will find excellent material on sand dune succession which will reinforce the work we have covered in class. What I particularly like are the good close-up images of plant species with very detailed adpations to the environment listed for each.

Here, for example, is what it has to say about sea sandwort

Succulent leaves store water
Waxy cuticle helps to retain water
Tolerant of short periods of immersion
Prostrate habit protects against wind (and sea).

This is exactly the type of explanation you have to give when explaining why particular plants are associated with the various stages of succession.