Breaking NewsSponsored by The Sullivan Auto Group
Subscribe: Home Delivery Special!
Letters to Home & Garden
Published 12:00 am PDT Saturday, May 3, 2008
Story appeared in SCENE section, Page K5
Clarification
Arthur M. Shapiro, professor of evolution and ecology at the University of California, Davis, responds to a recent "Garden Detective" column:
The April 19 "Garden Detective" by the UC master gardeners attributes to me a statement saying our environment has become too toxic for butterflies and moths and they are on a decline.
I have never said this. I have said that some of our butterfly and moth fauna is in decline. I have never used the word "toxic" in this context and even if it were scientifically meaningful in this context – which it is not – I would never make such a claim unless it could be supported rigorously, which it cannot. I in fact carefully avoid the use of that word in any context where it might stoke unfounded public fears or appear to support urban legends.
I have a very strict policy on making public statements, as numerous science writers who have tried and failed to get me to comment on matters beyond my expertise can testify.
By the way, tomato hornworms are in fact much rarer than they used to be throughout our region. I have no idea why.
– Arthur M. Shapiro, professor, evolution and ecology University of California, Davis
Unique content, exceptional value. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Most Popular
More Stories in Home and Garden
News |
Sports |
Business |
Politics |
Opinion |
Entertainment |
Lifestyle |
Travel |
Blogs |
Cars |
Homes |
Jobs |
Classifieds/Shopping
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Site Map | Advertise | Guide to The Bee | Bee Jobs | FAQs | RSS
Contact Us | Subscribe | Manage Your Subscription | E-newsletters | Sacbeemail | Archives
sacbee.com | Sacramento.com | Capitol Alert | SacMomsClub.com | SacPaws.com
Copyright © The Sacramento Bee
2100 Q St. P.O. Box 15779 Sacramento, CA 95816 (916) 321-1000