Donald , Biology 176 Tropical Ecology

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Biology 176: Tropical Ecology
Spring 2008

Taught by Dr. Donald A.

Past Exam Questions: Midterm 1

How are Diversity Indices, such as Simpson's Index, useful in conveying information not provided by simple species richness measures?
What is Wallace's Line, and why does it exist?
What are the characteristics of mid-ocean volcanoes?
What physical parameters set the limits on the distribution of coral reefs?
What is the Latitudinal Diversity Gradient? Give examples of taxonomic groups that conform to the LDG, and at least one example of a group that does not.
What structures the zonation seen in some Mangrove forests?

Past Exam Questions: Midterm 2

In the context of Holdridge Life Zones, what is “altitudinal/latitudinal equivalence”
Explain, as fully as possible, why Tortuguero (north-eastern Costa Rica) is very wet and Santa Rosa (north western Costa Rica) is seasonally very dry.
What is auto-mimicry?
The type of volcanism experienced in Costa Rica is very different to that experienced in Hawaii. Why?
The tree Cercropia is a common Neotropical pioneer species. What general features and/or attributes would you expect it to have, and why?
What are the major physical and temporal niche divisions that one sees in neotropical and/or s.e asian rainforest mammals (excluding bats).