Q & A
Thursday, July 5, 2007
What language do Ecuadorians speak? a 4th grader from Rolesville Elementary School, Wake Co.
Most Ecuadorians speak Spanish and some indigenous people also speak Quichua.
Are there any endangered species in Ecuador? a 5th grader from Jonathan Valley Elementary School, Haywood Co.
Endangered species of Ecuador include the Andean Condor, Spectacled Bear and the Galapagos Tortoise. There are many, many endemic species that may be threatened if habitat is lost.
Have you seen the Ecuadorian bat on your trip so far? an 11th grader from East Rutherford High School, Rutherford Co.
We saw a species of bat at Bellavista. It was feeding on moths that had been attracted to the lights of our cabins. It was larger than our insectivorous bats in NC, but, because it was dark outside, we could not identify the species.
Do you think that ecotourism will be able to compete profitably with oil production? a teacher from Dr. W. T. Griggs Elementary School, Currituck Co.
Although we have seen an increase in ecotourism this year, we believe that it cannot compete with the revenue generated by oil production without a corresponding decrease in worldwide oil consumption.
How does the weather affect vermiculture? a 12th grader from Pasquotank County High School, Pasquotank Co.
There is very little variation in temperature within a given locality in Ecuador, so the impact is probably minimal.
What significant changes (to land and the people) have you observed between the 2005 Institute and this year's Institute? a teacher from Dr. W. T. Griggs Elementary School, Currituck Co.
Some of the things we’ve noticed include:
- Continued improvement in the various projects we have visited
- A stronger presence of technology (new computer lab in UPOCAM office, wireless Internet in airport)
- A growing recognition of the importance of organic gardening, protecting the environment and the potential of ecotourism
How is the plant and animal life different from the US? an 11th grader from East Rutherford High School, Rutherford Co.
Ecuador has more bird species than anywhere else in the world. Sizes range from the tiniest hummingbird to the enormous Andean Condor, with a wingspan of about ten feet. Tropical bird species are colorful. One evening we examined a huge variety of moths which we found in only 30 minutes! Many plants we see in pots in the US grow wild, lush and green here. We have seen different plants in each region we have visited, so plant life here is widely diverse.
How high are the mountains in Ecuador? a 12th grader from East Rutherford High School, Rutherford Co.
Our altitude in the Paramo was about 12,200 feet. The Andes Mountains have peaks above 20,000 feet. By comparison, the tallest peak in North Carolina is less than 7,000 feet.
What kind of diet do the people of Ecuador have? a 12th grader from East Rutherford High School, Rutherford Co.
While here, we have noticed that the local people consume a wide variety of fruits, potatoes and meats, including chicken, guinea pig, seafood, freshwater fish and pork. Diet varies from region to region, dependent on the availability of local food items.
What is the most interesting thing that has happened on your trip and have you learned anything new? a 12th grader from East Rutherford High School, Rutherford Co.
We have learned lots of new things every day, many of which we have shared with you via the web. There have been many interesting events, both from nature and cultural experiences. Highlights certainly include seeing the group feeding behavior of the Blue-footed Booby, the beautiful breach of the Humpback whale and the magnificent generosity and welcome of the Ecuadorian people.
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