Donna Rood, age 15, of Utica, New York, for her question:

Can the ocean support us if all else fails?

Scientists tell us that life began in the ancient seas and thrived there for millions of years before the first plants and animals ventured forth to cope with life on the dry land. This long story unfolded chapter by patient chapter. But it so happens that nature refuses to repeat a chapter when once it is finished. Life must go on improving or perish    because nature refuses to return to the past. What's more, the land, the air and the oceans work together on a global scale. Our land pollutants sink and drain into the seas. When we pollute one realm, we pollute our entire home planet.

So if all else fails, we cannot expect the oceans to support us. Perhaps they may provide a scanty living for a few of us    but the rich life we know would be impossible. True, pollution could ruin our world for us    if we let it. But let's stop it instead. Let's get busy at once, working and planning to avert this global disaster. Everybody, young and old, can help. Surely together we are smart enough and sensible enough to do the job.