Study Guide for Ecology Test 1

 

The test is 50 multiple questions. Bring a No. 2 pencil.

 

Chapter 1

Understand what happened on Easter Island and its significance;

Understand the 4 trends of global concern and facts about each;

Define sustainability, stewardship and sound science; Understand the history of man=s attitude toward the environment; Know the steps of the scientific method;

 

Chapter 2

Define ecosystem, biotic, abiotic, species and population; Understand the trophic or feeding levels; Understand autotroph, heterotroph, producer, consumer, decomposer, detritus feeder; Know examples of abiotic factors; Know how weather and climate differ; Know how temperature and rainfall determine biomes; Know man=s history from early ecosystems to the Industrial Revol.;

 

Chapter 3

Define matter, elements, organic and inorganic compounds; Define energy and know 2 types; Know 2 Laws of Thermodynamics; Understand how matter and energy move through ecosystems and change forms; Understand the first and second principles of ecosystem sustainability and know how man violates them; Know advantages of solar energy and of recycling nutrients; Understand the carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen cycle;

 

Chapter 4

 

Understand the two types of population growth curves (S & J);

Define biotic potential, recruitment, environmental resistance and critical number; Understand density dependent and independent factors; Understand predator-prey dynamics and parasite/predator interactions; Specifically understand the wolf-moose cycle on Isle Royale; Understand territoriality; Define ecological succession, primary, secondary and aquatic succession; Know the beneficial effects of fire; Understand the 3rd,4th,5th principles of ecosystem sustainability;

 

Chapter 5

Define genetic variation, gene pool, differential reproduction, biological evolution, selective breeding, natural selection, traits, gene, allele, mutation and speciation; Understand basically how DNA works; Understand how mutations can alter populations; Understand plate tectonics;

Know the general time line for earth;

 

Extra Credit question. It is optional and worth 10 points.

Explain the story of Easter Island and its implications.

a. Briefly describe the history of man’s population growth on Easter Island.

b. How did mans use of resources effect the island?

c. How was man’s society structured? What problems did this cause?

d. What was the eventual outcome of man’s actions by the 1800's?

e. Suggest how might man have lived sustainably on the island.