USGS/BRD Banner

[Penguins image]
Frequently Asked Questions


Disclaimer: The U.S. Geological Survey does not control and cannot guarantee the relevance, timeliness, or accuracy of materials appearing on other Web sites.  Mention of a particular Web address does not constitute endorsement by the USGS.

About Our Mission

What is the Biological Resources Discipline (BRD) Mission?

Does the BRD have the power to regulate how I can use my land?

Who has access to the information you're assembling?

Where does BRD funding come from?

How are you organized?

Does BRD also have science libraries?

What is "informatics"?

Do you use volunteers to collect data?

What is the BRD policy about coming onto private property to conduct your studies?

How does BRD benefit industry?

What are some of your external sources of information?

What is Gap Analysis?

What is the Breeding Bird Survey?

What is a Co-op Unit?

Can you assure me that the information you gather won't be used by another Federal agency to take my property or regulate me in some other way?

How can I, as a private citizen, access BRD data?

Wildlife

Where can I find out about wildlife diseases?

I am an avid butterfly enthusiast. Please tell me where I can find information about them.

I have bats in my attic. What should I do?

I'm interested in learning how to estimate animal populations. What methods are used, and how do scientists go about doing this?

We found a dead bird with a band around its leg. Where do I report this information?

Hot Topics

Why is it important to save manatees?

I read in the paper that frogs and toads are becoming scarce and that many of them have extra legs and other deformities. Is this a sign of disease that is causing them to die?

Why do animals become endangered?

What is the problem with the Yellowstone bison and  brucellosis?

Could you provide me with information on the problems in the Salton Sea?

Why can't we use zebra mussels' filtering abilities to our advantage by using them to help clean our water?  Are they edible?  Can zebra mussels be of benefit to humans in any way?

I heard that honeybee populations are declining.  What effect does this have on pollination?

Where can I find information on gypsy moths?

Working with the USGS

What career opportunities does the USGS have for biologists?

Do you have a student intern program?

Can I volunteer at one of your centers?

Educational Resources

I am a teacher and would like to obtain educational materials pertaining to your activities.

I am a student working on a biological research project.  Can you answer some questions for me?

How can I find the scientific names of plants and animals?

Can you help me design a science fair project?

I need information on how to identify leaves.  Can you help?

Outside Our Scope

How can we get the moles out of our garden?

I found an injured wild animal.  What should I do?

I saw an unusual animal in my backyard. How can I get help in identifying it?

I have a question about human disease.  Can you help?

What contains more oxygen, a red pepper or a green pepper?

Thousands of lady bugs were clinging to the outside of my house. I was wondering why.  Do they bite?

How can I tell if a dog food is nutritious?  Do you have information on pet care?

What do you know about water pollution and cancer in humans?

Do you have information on the benefits of recycling?

I need information on fruit flies and genetics for a class project.

 


About Our Mission

What is the Biological Resources Discipline (BRD) Mission?

The BRD mission is to work with others to provide the scientific understanding and technologies needed to support the sound management and conservation of our Nation's biological resources.

Does the BRD have the power to regulate how I can use my land?

The BRD is non-regulatory, non-managerial, and non-advocacy. Our aim is to make the best possible scientific information available to resource managers, landowners, and the public. We do not make recommendations. Our scientists and biologists provide unbiased, factual scientific information to Federal agencies, State, and non-profit research institutions, landowners, businesses, industry, and private citizens. Regulatory and management decisions are made elsewhere in the government and in the private sector.

Who has access to the information you're assembling?

Everybody. BRD research and information is in the public domain. It's available through the Internet on the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) at http://www.nbii.gov/.

Where does BRD funding come from? 

The BRD budget is based on funds allocated by Congress to the USGS. 

How are you organized?

We have a Headquarters in Reston, VA, regional offices, science centers, cooperative research units, and field stations. (BRD Organization)

Does BRD also have science libraries?

Yes. BRD science libraries are located at many of our science centers. Holdings and services at each library tend to reflect the center's research specialties.

What is "informatics"?

Research on, development of, and use of technological, sociological, and organizational tools and approaches for the dynamic acquisition, indexing, dissemination, storage, querying, retrieval, visualization, integration, analysis, synthesis, sharing (which includes electronic means of collaboration), and publication of data such that economic and other benefits may be derived from the information by users from all sections of society.

Do you use volunteers to collect data?

Volunteers assist on some BRD programs. In all cases, first the volunteers are carefully trained. Then they are supervised by a Federal employee while they work. In addition, to ensure quality-control, their data are checked by BRD supervisors. Volunteers must abide by the same rules, regulations, policies, and laws as BRD employees.

What is the BRD policy about coming onto private property to conduct your studies?

When conducting surveys on private property, BRD researchers comply with State and Tribal laws, including trespassing and privacy laws. BRD researchers are required to obtain written permission from the landowner when conducting new surveys, not to trespass, and, at the landowner's request, to make the data available at no cost.

How does BRD benefit industry?

This differs by industry sector. To give you a few examples, we work with the agriculture and ranching industry on the problem of noxious weeds, wildlife and soil conservation techniques, and integrated pest management. We have also provided information in support of aquaculture.

Potentially, the industry that may benefit the most from knowing where rare plants can be found is the pharmaceutical industry. In the U.S. and elsewhere, new drugs are constantly being developed from both rare and common plants.

What are some of your external sources of information?

We are exchanging information with State fish and game offices, universities, research laboratories, individual researchers, and local libraries and museums. This information is already being shared through the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), an electronic federation of biological data and information. The NBII is available through the Internet at http://www.nbii.gov/.

What is Gap Analysis?

The Gap Analysis Program (GAP) is a state-based cooperative effort to map major indicators of biodiversity over states, along with the existing network of conservation lands. The indicators of biodiversity that the GAP state projects map using geographic information system (GIS) technology are dominant vegetation types (e.g., oak-hickory-hemlock forest) and distributions of each native vertebrate species.

Although coordinated by the BRD, the program is made up of over 400 cooperating organizations nationwide, including businesses, governments, and universities. 

What is the Breeding Bird Survey?

The Breeding Bird Survey is a cooperative effort using over 2,000 skilled amateur and professional ornithologists to collect information on the North American bird population. This program was transferred to BRD from the Fish and Wildlife Service. Survey data enables us to measure bird population changes.

What is a Co-op Unit?

A BRD Cooperative Research Unit is a partnership among the BRD, the State fish and game agency, a host university, and the Wildlife Management Institute. Staffed with Federal personnel, the units conduct research on renewable natural resource questions; participate in the education of graduate students destined to become natural resource scientists; provide technical assistance and consultation to parties who have legitimate interests in natural resource issues; and provide various forms of continuing education for natural resource professionals. These units contain more than 160 Ph.D. scientists who oversee as many as 600 graduate students per year.

Can you assure me that the information you gather won't be used by another Federal agency to take my property or regulate me in some other way?

The information we gather will be available to everyone: government officials and private citizens. We cannot guarantee it won't be used in a regulatory decision. But we can guarantee it will be accurate, timely, and unbiased. Accurate and sufficient scientific information should produce fair decisions.

How can I, as a private citizen, access BRD data?

It's easy. BRD information is public information and in almost all cases, is available by request. (Limited exceptions exist that protect the interests of property owners and to protect sensitive species.) In addition, information about a wide range of geographical areas and species are available to you through BRD, which can help you locate and gain access to information in Federal, State, and private institutions. Much of this information is also available through the Internet at http://www.nbii.gov/.

Wildlife

Where can I find out about wildlife diseases?

Please visit the USGS National Wildlife Health Center Web pages at http://www.emtc.usgs.gov/nwhchome.html. The National Wildlife Health Center was established in 1975 as a biomedical laboratory dedicated to assessing the impact of disease on wildlife and to identifying the role of various pathogens in contributing to wildlife losses.

I am an avid butterfly enthusiast. Please tell me where I can find information about them.

Have you visited our Children's Butterfly Site? Although it is geared toward young people, the site contains a wealth of information on butterflies, including photo galleries (Common Butterflies of Western Europe and Great Britain, and Common Butterflies of North America), as well as links to other Internet sites, including the online version of Butterflies of North America, hosted by the USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center. Northern Prairie's extensive butterfly pages begin at <http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/taxa_I.htm>.  The North American Butterfly Association Web site also contains a great deal of information on butterflies, along with many links to additional information--including state-by-state links for local information.

If you have specific questions, you may wish to contact your local university or college entomology department or extension office.

I have bats in my attic. What should I do?

Bats are among the world's least appreciated and most endangered animals. I suggest that you visit Bat Conservation International's Web site, which has links to a great deal of information on bats, including a link that provides information on how to find a reputable bat removal service -- one that does not harm the bats.  Your local university extension office may also provide information and assistance.

Our Web site contains much information on bats.  For a starter, check out the USGS Fort Collins Science Center's Bat Web Sites  page at http://www.fort.usgs.gov/links/bat_web_sites.html.  The USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center pages on bats begin at http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/othrdata/okbats/okbats.htm#contents and include links to other sources of information.  A delightful educational site, "Echo the Bat," can be accessed at http://imagers.gsfc.nasa.gov/.  The Teachers' Guide contains links to bat conservation organizations and other sources of information.  Finally, Bat Conservation International's extensive site at http://www.batcon.org/index.html provides a wealth of information, including volunteer opportunities and bat workshop schedules.

I am interested in learning how to estimate animal populations. What methods are used, and how do scientists go about doing this?

Figuring out clever ways to estimate animal population sizes and their trends involves a lot of research time at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. You may be interested in the Web pages beginning at http://www.mp1-pwrc.usgs.gov/ to learn about these activities.  As you probably know, animals do not particularly want to be counted and it becomes quite a tricky business! 

We found a dead bird with a band around its leg.  Where do I report this information?

You can access the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center's Bird Banding Laboratory Web pages at http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/default.htm; the page on “How to Report a Bird Band” is at http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/homepage/call800.htm. Call toll-free, 1-800-327-2263, from anywhere in Canada, the United States, and most parts of the Caribbean. Please have all the information on the bird band with you when you call (band number, location, date, and how you got the band). You may also report the band electronically, through a link from the Web page.

 Hot Topics

Why is it important to save manatees?

The USGS Florida Caribbean Science Center administers the Sirenia Project, which encompasses a team of scientists dedicated to long-term research on the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) in Florida.

Why save the manatee? It boils down to a fundamentally basic concept: Manatees are part of a system. If you remove any component from a system, you have changed something. Change something and you see an effect on something else. An example of this concept is what we worry about most for manatee survival; that is, what if we kill most of the plants? If we do, the manatees will not be able to eat and they will die. On the other hand, manatees help control the vegetation that can choke Florida waterways. They also provide a benefit by processing the vegetation they eat and passing it back out into the environment as a form of fertilizer.

Ecotourism forms the basis for a flourishing tourist industry in Florida.  Close to 70,000 people visit Crystal River every year just to see and swim with manatees, thus helping the local economy.

There is an aesthetic value to manatees as well. They are fun to watch and we can learn a lot from their non-aggressive, passive demeanor.

Manatees are indeed gentle giants. Making laws to protect the manatees, like slowing boats in waterways, also makes it safer for people. “No Entry” zones or sanctuaries set up for manatees protects many kinds of plants and animals in the water. Building codes to make construction in Florida comply with laws to protect manatees also helps fish and bird life.

Protecting endangered and threatened species and restoring them to a secure status in the wild is the primary objective of the endangered species program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior. The Endangered Species Web site can be accessed at http://www.fws.gov/r9endspp/endspp.html.

I read in the paper that frogs and toads are becoming scarce and that many of them have extra legs and other deformities.  Is this a sign of disease that is causing them to die?

Declines in several amphibian species have been studied for the past 20 years.  More recent concern about deformed frogs arose with the discovery of large numbers of deformed leopard frogs in Minnesota in 1995.  But scientists who have studied amphibian declines and deformities agree that deformities are unlikely to have caused the extensive, well-documented declines of many amphibian species worldwide.  USGS scientists have described severe declines of several amphibian species in Colorado and California.  Although they have observed that many species are absent from historically documented localities, often in national parks and wilderness areas, they have rarely observed deformities.  For example, USGS scientist Dr. Gary Fellers has studied declining amphibian populations in California for the last 9 years.  He and his field crews have visited over 4,500 sites and examined over 8,000 frogs and toads.  Fewer than 10 of these individuals had any type of deformity.

The recent research on deformities provides additional evidence that deformed frogs may occur naturally as a result of parasite infections. But it does not prove that all deformities are caused by parasites nor that global species declines are associated with deformities.  It is probable that deformities in different localities have different causes.  In the Upper Midwest, deformities similar to those in wild frogs have been produced in laboratory-reared frogs exposed to water and soil extracts from sites where deformed frogs have been studied.  Extracts did not contain the parasite (metacercariae) but did contain chemicals present when samples were taken. Thus, chemical causes of deformities should continue to be explored.  In studies of deformed leopard frogs in Midwestern and Northeastern states, scientists at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center did not find parasites (metacercariae) in the limb buds of the developing tadpoles and they have not yet found evidence that a parasite influenced limb development in these tadpoles.

A variety of mechanisms, including habitat alteration and destruction, introduction of exotic predators, disease, and possibly airborne contaminants, have brought about amphibian declines. For several declining species, such as the boreal toad in the Rocky Mountains or several species studied by Dr. Fellers in the Sierra Nevada, the agents have not been discovered.  This is cause for concern because these studies have been conducted in undisturbed or protected locations.

The USGS is continuing research on the causes of amphibian declines.  We believe that this research will lead to a better understanding of why we are losing frogs and toads in the very parks and wilderness areas where we would expect them to be best protected.

If you have an interest in these topics, we suggest that you visit http://biology.usgs.gov/frog.html, http://www.mp2-pwrc.usgs.gov/frogwatch/, and http://www.frogweb.gov/index.html.  All of these sites contain many links to related amphibian information.

Why do animals become endangered?

There are many different reasons that animals are endangered, especially loss of their habitat -- where they live, eat, and raise their young. Protecting endangered and threatened species and restoring them to a secure status in the wild is the primary objective of the endangered species program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior. The Endangered Species Web site can be accessed at <http://www.fws.gov/r9endspp/endspp.html>.

Is the USGS studying the problems with the Yellowstone bison and brucellosis?

USGS scientists are collaborating with university, State, and Federal groups on a number of studies. Ecological studies focus on forage availability, habitat use, and bison population dynamics. Brucellosis research includes examining the risk of transmission of the disease from wildlife to cattle, identification of exposed animals in the field, and the safety of vaccines to wildlife species. The information gained from these studies assists national park managers, Federal and State officials, Congress, and others in developing future bison management plans.  See http://www.fort.usgs.gov/research_briefs/Bison_Brucellosis.html  for summaries of the current bison and brucellosis studies being conducted by USGS and collaborating scientists.

Could you provide me with information on the problems in the Salton Sea?

Birds:  Information on Salton Sea bird die-offs can be found through the USGS National Wildlife Health Center Web site at http://www.emtc.usgs.gov/nwhchome.html. Information has been issued by the center through their Quarterly Wildlife Mortality Report and Current News and Events page.

Fish:  There are several species of Tilapia in the Salton Sea. By far, the most abundant is Tilapia mossambica. This fish was accidentally introduced by nearby fish-rearing facilities in the 1960s, and it has proliferated as the salinity has increased.  This is the species that now comprises the majority of fish involved in massive die-offs and is suspected of having a role in the deaths of fish-eating birds from avian botulism.

Another good information resource is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Web page. You can also download the document "Saving the Salton Sea" at their Web site at http://www.r1.fws.gov/text/salton.html.

Why can't we use zebra mussels' filtering abilities to our advantage by using them to help clean our water? Are they edible? Can zebra mussels be of benefit to humans in any way?

Zebra mussels have caused negative shifts in zooplankton populations in the Great Lakes and have nearly wiped out all native mussels in western Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. No one has been able to come up with any commercial use for them so far. As for them cleaning up the water, algae in the water is a good thing, unless it gets out of control -- which means that something else is out of balance. In that case, zebra mussels would only be a temporary solution --­ and would, in fact, create a new problem. Then, what do we do with all the zebra mussels that have eaten all the algae that other native organisms depend on? Zebra mussels may be edible, but are far too small to bother with.

Economically speaking, zebra mussels have costs millions of dollars in cleanup and control in industrial settings. These costs are passed on to the consumer or taxpayer. Unfortunately, zebra mussels are here to stay. But precautions should still be taken to keep them from uninfested waters.  We suggest that you visit the USGS Florida Caribbean Science Center "Zebra Information Resources" Web pages at http://nas.er.usgs.gov/zebra.mussel/.  In addition to providing information on this destructive invasive species, the site contains a zebra mussel sighting link, and links to U.S. distribution maps, status reports, datasets and digital products, nonidigenous aquatic species meetings and contacts, zebra mussel books and journals, and to the National Zebra Mussel and Aquatic Nuisance Species Clearinghouse.

I heard that honeybee populations are declining.  What effect does this have on pollination?

Purdue University maintains a Web page with links to many honeybee pages, including several addressing population declines (for example, see http://www.guildford.ac.uk/beehive/adibra.htm).  Another page, the Internationl Bee Research Association, also contains a wealth of information and pertinent links.

Where can I find information on gypsy moths?

The USDA Forest Service maintains a Web page on the Gypsy Moth in North America <http://www.fs.fed.us/ne/morgantown/4557/gmoth/>.  This page contains many links to additional gypsy moth information.

Working With the USGS

What career opportunities does the  USGS have for biologists?

To get a good overview of the type of work our biologists are involved in, you are encouraged to "visit" our individual science centers by clicking on the interactive map at http://biology.usgs.gov/pub_aff/centers.html. If you wish to pursue an interest with a specific center, contact information is given at each Web site.

All positions with the U.S. Geological Survey are posted on the online Jobs Bulletin http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/a.htm.  Federal salaries can be found at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/b5a.htm.

Do you have a student intern program?

The U.S. Geological Survey offers diverse employment opportunities for students in biology, hydrology, computer science, cartography, geology, administration, and many other fields.  Please visit our Student Employment Web site at http://www.usgs.gov/student/. You may also wish to contact an individual science center regarding possible volunteer or internship opportunities http://biology.usgs.gov/pub_aff/centers.html.

Can I volunteer at one of your centers?

"Volunteer for Science" is a USGS program that provides volunteer opportunities to citizens and non-citizens who reside in the United States and its territories.  Online opportunities and applications can be found at http://interactive.usgs.gov/volunteer/index.asp.  You may also wish to contact an individual science center regarding possible volunteer or internship opportunities <http://biology.usgs.gov/pub_aff/centers.html>.

Educational Resources

I am a teacher and would like to obtain educational materials pertaining to your activities.

The USGS Learning Web provides links to online information on biology, geology, hydrology, and geography, as well as ordering information for additional materials -- many of which are available at no cost.  Another excellent site is the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII). Beginning at <http://www.nbii.gov/education/index.html>, you will find links to a wealth of age-appropriate biological information. And be sure to visit the NBII's FrogWeb and Botany for Kids sites!

I am a student working on a biological research project. Can you answer some questions for me?

We suggest that you first conduct a literature search on your topic.  If you are unable to find complete answers to your questions through this method, we will attempt to provide further assistance.

How can I find the scientific names of plants and animals?

Systematics, or taxonomy, is the branch of biological sciences that deals with identification, description, naming and classification of the world's biota.  Taxonomic information can be found through the National Biological Information Infrastructure -- the NBII -- at http://www.nbii.gov/index.html.  Just click on "Biodiversity, Systematics, and Collections" , and then on "Systematics" .  Here you will find links to a number of excellent sources for the information you are seeking, including the Integrated Taxonomic Information System, or ITIS.   ITIS   is a partnership of U.S., Canadian, and Mexican agencies, other organizations, and taxonomic specialists cooperating on the development of an online, scientifically credible list of biological names focusing on the biota of North America.  ITIS is also a participating member of Species 2000, an international project indexing the world's known species.

Can you help me design a science fair project?

The National Biological Information Infrastructure — the NBII — is a USGS-led initiative dedicated to the development of an electronic federation of biological data and information sources. The NBII maintains an Education site containing links to a variety of age-specific materials.  The "College/Adult Level" pages provide links to many interesting biology projects, including the University of Wisconsin's Amphibian Embryology Tutorial and the Whole Frog Project.  The Baltimore Public Library's Science Fair Web pages take you through a step-by-step science fair primer. And the U.S. Department of Agriculture site, Your Science Fair Project, contains a wealth of information and links. Finally, Showboard's Web site provides a large number of topics for consideration.

I need information on how to identify leaves. Can you help?

See the Iowa State University Extension Leaf Identification pages!

Outside Our Scope

How can we get the moles out of our garden?

A good place for the information you seek is a university extension office.  For example, if you go to the Florida Cooperative Extension Service's Wildlife Resources page, you can click on the link to "Problems Caused by Wildlife," then to "Detailed Fact Sheets," then to "Moles," then to "Damage and Control."

I found an injured wild animal.  What should I do?

The Wildlife Rehabilitation Information Directory provides information on how to locate a wildlife rehabilitator near you. Your state natural resources department may also be able to provide assistance;  the Web page at <http://fa.r9.fws.gov/r9mat/zing/links.html> provides links to all state pages, along with contact information.

I saw an unusual animal in my backyard.  How can I get help in identifying it?

Your local university extension office or Department of Natural Resources may be able to provide assistance in identifying the animal that visited your backyard. The Web page at <http://fa.r9.fws.gov/r9mat/zing/links.html> provides links to all state pages, along with contact information.

I have a question about human disease.  Can you help?

Your query falls outside the scope of our mission and expertise.  You may wish to visit the Web sites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health and do a keyword search for the topics you are researching.

What contains more oxygen, a red pepper or a green pepper?

The U.S. Vegetable Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Agriculture maintains a Web site at <http://www.ars-grin.gov/ars/SoAtlantic/Charleston/usvl/> that may provide the information you are seeking.  This page contains links to research projects and other information sources.

Thousands lady bugs were clinging to the outside of my house.  I was wondering why.  Do they bite?

A good place for the information you seek is a university extension office or entomology department. The home page of the Iowa State University Department of Entomology has a link from the question "Are lady beetles invading your home?"  that will take you to a fact sheet on lady beetles (also known as “lady bugs”). According to Iowa State University's Information Notes Web page, "The Asian lady beetle, like boxelder bugs, pine seed bugs and elm leaf beetles, is an outdoor insect that becomes a nuisance pest as an accidental invader. As with other accidental invaders, the Asian lady beetles are harmless. They cannot bite or sting, they do not carry diseases, and they do not feed or reproduce indoors."

How can I tell if a dog food is nutritious? Do you have information on pet care?

A good source for the information you are seeking would be a school of veterinary medicine.  The University of Pennsylvania's Web site contains a page with links to all North American schools, which you can access at <http://cahpwww.nbc.upenn.edu/vetmed/vetmed1.htm>.

What do you know about water pollution and cancer in humans?

Our focus is not on human health nor do we maintain expertise in that area. We suggest that you direct your inquiry through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Their Web site provides links to data and statistics, health information, and CDC locations and email comment and question links at http://www.cdc.gov/aboutcdc.htm#cios.

Do you have information on the benefits of recycling?

You may wish to visit the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site at <http://www.epa.gov/>; their education pages include information on waste and recycling http://www.epa.gov/kids/garbage.htm>.

I need information on fruit flies and genetics for a class project.

The Berkeley Drosophila Genome Project may be of interest.  J-Fly also contains information on this topic.  The Interactive Fly is "a cyberspace guide to Drosophila genes and their roles in development."


About BRD | Science | Features | Contact Us | Search
NBII Home | BRD Home | USGS Home | DOI Home

Comments, questions: biologywebteam@usgs.gov

FirstGov Text-only
biology.usgs.gov/pub_aff/faq.html
Last Updated: Monday, 29-Mar-2004 12:46:14 MST
USGS Privacy Policy and Disclaimers | Accessibility