Donald , Intro Bio 146

Syllabus Lecture Outlines Grading Assignments/Labs Past Exams Reading Links

Biology 146: Ecology

Selected Questions from former Midterm 1’s.

(midterms usually consist of 10 questions, 10 pts a question)

1] Define, as precisely as possible, the parameter “r” as used in the exponential and logistic growth models.

2] Why is a mathematically perfect ‘logistic’ curve unlikely to occur in nature?

3] What is a “stable limit cycle” and briefly, why do they occur?

4] Consider the equation:

dN/dt = r₁N₁(K₁ - (N₁+N₂))

K₁

What kind of relationship (mutualism? Competition?) does this describe? Explain.

5] Describe the concept of ‘Top-Down Regulation”.

6] Consider a pristine biological resource such as an unexploited marine fishery. Biological investigation determines that the fishery can support a Maximum Sustained Yield of one metric ton of fish per year. However, the fisheries management team claims that in the first year of the fishery, it is acceptable to harvest 5 metric tons. How can this be? Explain.

Selected Questions from former Midterm 2’s.

1] What is an INCIDENCE FUNCTION curve and what does it mean?

2] Why is the MacArthur-Wilson Theory of Biogeography considered to be a theory of DYNAMIC EQUILIBRIUM?

3] Draw a RANK ABUNDANCE diagram. What does it mean and what process might underlie it?

4] What is the difference between SPECIES RICHNESS and SPECIES DIVERSITY? How might the two be quantified?

5] Sketch a ‘cartoon’ version of the Holdridge Life Zone chart, and explain its principle features.

6] Discuss the ‘dispersal ability paradox’ illustrated by the faunas of distant, oceanic islands.

7] Discuss the ways in which community resource utilization might accommodate an increasing diversity of species.