STUDY GOALS—ECOLOGY
Part 2: Succession, Populations, Environmental Quality
Understand the concept of ecological succession, know a definition of the
process, and be able to recognize examples of primary succession, secondary
succession, and a climax community. Know the relationship of opportunistic
species vs. equilibrium species in the succession process, and be able to
recognize examples of each. Where
in notes.
Recognize a definition and/or example of species diversity, know why species
diversity is greater in the tropics, and that it always decreases from the
region of the equator to the poles, but also decreases with increased altitude.
Know how species diversity may be used in ecological studies (these concepts
are not in the text). Also, recognize the definition of a biome, the factors
which are used to characterize biomes, and be able to recognize from a description
the following biomes: tundra, coniferous forest (boreal, taiga), deciduous
forest, desert, tropical rain forest. Where
in notes.
Know the four factors which affect density of a population in any given
area (natality, mortality, immigration, emigration) and recognize examples
of each. Where in notes.
Recognize the difference between exponential growth (J-shaped curve) and
logistic growth (S-shaped curve) and the mathematical formulas which produce
each. Also, know the definition and the importance of the rate of increase
(r) variable in each equation. Where
in notes.
Be able to recognize some examples which provide limits to population growth.
Know the definition of carrying capacity (K) and how it relates to limiting
population size. Be able to recognize examples of r-selection and k-selection
in terms of population growth. Where
in notes.
Be able to distinguish between density-dependent and density-independent
factors which affect population density. Know the difference between extrinsic
influences and intrinsic influences on population size. Where
in notes.
Understand factors which have affected human population growth over time.
Where on a growth curve would the human population be placed? Recognize the
different shapes of age structure diagrams as they characterize populations
in terms of potential for growth. How does fertility rate and reproductive
age of females affect the potential for growth? Where
in notes.
Know the difference between intraspecific and interspecific competition.
Be able to distinguish between the concept of the habitat and niche, and be
able to recognize examples of each. Distinguish between the fundamental niche
of a species and the realized niche. Where
in notes.
Understand the concept of competitive exclusion and some of the experimental
evidence for this concept. Given this as a fundamental ecological principle,
how can and do species co-exist in nature (they really do!!)? Understand resource
partitioning. Where in notes.
Making reference to discussion in class and based upon your readings in
other literature, what are three fundamental ecological problems in the world
today? What are the major sources of these problems, and how would YOU justify
solving each? Be prepared to respond to questions in these areas. Where
in notes.
