Biology 350: Terrestrial Ecology

EXAM I—100 points

 

1) Define and indicate the significance of the following concepts.  More than two sentences and I will get annoyed. (3 points each- 36 points total):

 

A.  Ecotype

 

 

 

 

 

B. C-4 Plants

 

 

 

 

 

C. Food Webs

 

 

 

 

 

D. Acclimation

 

 

 

 

 

E. Homeostasis

 

 

 

 

 

F. Gross primary productivity

 

 

 

 

 

G. Urea

 

 

 

H. Boundary layers

 

 

 

 

 

I. Evapotranspiration

 

 

 

 

 

J. Reduced carbon molecules

 

 

 

 

 

K. Boremann and Likens

 

 

 

 

 

L. Trophic levels

 

 

 

 

 

2) The pool of water in the atmosphere is approximately 13000 km3, equivalent to 25 mm (approximately 1 inch) of water over any point on the Earth’s surface.  The average point on the Earth’s surface receives 2.7 mm or rain/ day.  What then is the mean residence time of a water molecule in the atmosphere? (4 point)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3) Explain the following diagram (10 points):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


4) To the nearest order of magnitude, how big is the US economy (in dollars)? (2 points)

 

 

5) How many people currently live on the Planet Earth? (3 points)

 

6) Refer to the following diagram and explain Lindeman’s concept of the ecosystem (10 points):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


7) Explain how the Odum’s went about studying ecosystems and how their view of ecosystems differed from Lindeman (10 points).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8) Early life was probably powered by the following reaction:

 

Acetate (CH3COOH) -> CO2 + CH4  + energy

 

This is analogous to what reaction currently being performed by everyone in the room? (write out the reaction and give it a name- 5 points).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9) Give me an example of a positive feedback loop. (5 points)

 

 

 

 

 

 

10) Describe the greenhouse effect.  What is the problem with the Earth’s ozone layer?  How are the greenhouse effect and the problem with the Earth’s ozone layer related? (10 points)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11) Explain and contrast the following concepts (5 points):

            Pyramid of Numbers versus Pyramid of Energy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12) Why is calcium now a limiting factor for forest growth in the northeastern US?  What former limiting factor has been replaced by calcium limitation? (5 points)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13) The oxygen content of the atmosphere is approximately: ____%.(2 points)

 

When dinosaurs roamed the Earth, the oxygen content of the atmosphere was substantially higher.  Why might this have been hazardous? (3 points)

 

 

 

14) Why is this guy smiling? (2 points)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


In order to receive credit for this exam, you must pledge the following with your signature:

 

Regarding this exam, I have been honest and have observed no dishonesty.

 

 

 

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