Download TEST #1 Ecology FRQ`s FRQ Suppose that you have just started a

TEST #1 Ecology FRQ’s
FRQ
1. Suppose that you have just started a summer internship working for a cooperative
extension service monitoring succession after a large fire that burned most of the forest.
You study this area over 10 years and take extensive data on the vegetation and wildlife
as it returns.
A) Explain what type of succession has occurred in this forest?
B) Compare the different types of vegetation that occur after the first month, 1st year,
and 5th year?
C) During your 5th year you study groundhog and owl predator/prey relationships.
Of the 2 species which is considered R-selected and why?
D) What might you look at to determine if the interaction between the owl and
ground is top down or bottom up control. Explain which theory you chose and
why?
E) Finally explain one lab technique you would use to determine the biodiversity of
the forest after year 5?
FRQ
2. Suppose you are an ecologist for the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Your
current research is studying the life cycle of monarch butterflies and the relationships of
energy transfer between food webs. On your current research you determine the monarch
caterpillar to have 5000g biomass as a secondary consumer.
A) If the food chain of the monarch has 4 levels and your following the 10% rule
what would the biomass of the tertiary level be? What organism could be at this
level?
B) The 10% law follows what scientific law? Explain how this law relates to trophic
levels
C) If the producer is milkweed explain the difference between Net Primary
Productivity (NPP) and Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) of milkweed?
D) The monarch butterfly migrates form Mexico to the Northern United States,
which biome would have the highest NPP during its migration and why?
FRQ
3. In a recent Fremont town hall meeting Dr. Omar Amin suggested a total ban on all
inorganic fertilizers containing Nitrogen. He goes on to suggest that it would be cheaper
and more environmentally sound to plant Nitrogen Fixing cover crops to enrich N
fertility in soils.
A. Give one advantage and one disadvantage to using “organic” fertilizers?
B. How does planting a cover crop enhance N fertility? What process is occurring in this
step of the N. CYCLE?
C. Describe one chemical transformation that occurs in the N cycle and discuss the
importance of the step in the ecosystem (do not mention the step in part B).
D. Humans alter the N. cycle in many ways. Aside from the use of inorganic fertilizers
how else do people alter the N cycle and what impact does it cause?
FRQ
4. Read the following article from the Fremont Examiner “Worm Invasion”: A researcher
studying the ecology of the deciduous forest outside of Fremont has made an alarming
discovery. While taking an inventory on the species present on the forest floor, Professor
Tate discovered many earthworms of an Asian species not previously know to live in the
area. The Asian worms, unlike native worms, have voracious appetites. The forest floor
is home to a myriad of species that live in the leaf litter, which is composed of years of
decomposing leaves. Tate says the leaf litter is critical to the survival of local species of
forest plants. The Asian worms consume the entire layer of leaf litter in a single season,
which sets the stage for a take over of invasive exotics like Japanese stilt grass.
A) Support Dr. Tate’s assertion that “the leaf litter is critical to the survival of local
species of forest plants” Include in your discussion the roles of leaf litter in a
deciduous forest ecosystem.
B) Describe 3 abiotic changes that would be likely to result if the exotic worms
consumed all the leaf litter in a single year
C) For one of the changes you identified in part B, explain how the change could set
the stage for the takeover of Japanese stilt grass or other exotic species
D) Design a controlled experiment to determine whether the worms in fact do change
the forest ecosystem. Identify the environmental factor you will measure and
include the specific hypothesis you will test and the data you will collect
This essay #5 will not be considered as 1 of the 4 for the test (ignore)…
5) The recent weather occurring in Freemont has been attributed to a weather phenomenon called
El Nino Southern Osscillation ENSO. During this time areas around the world have reported
unusual weather patterns in their regions.
A) Explain 3 things that occur to initiate an ENSO?
B) Explain two regions of the North America or South America that would be affected by
ENSO and what weather patterns may ensue?
C) Some areas in the US may experience a more severe rainshadow effect. Explain what
this pattern is and what causes it?
D)Upwelling and El Nino’s have a direct effect on the Net Primary Productivity of the
Immediate aquatic area. Explain what NPP is and how upwelling my affect it?