Midterm Exam

Hello Everyone,

Here is a copy of the Midterm Exam.  Note that on question #4 that you should answer two of the three choices.  The essay questions are intentionally "broad" (you might say "vague") to allow you the greatest flexibility when answering the question.   If you have questions about this exam then please feel free to contact me via email.

Remember, you may use your notes or any other source of info to answer these questions.  Please do not work with anyone else.  Good luck!  You can turn a hard copy of the exam in at the beginning of class on Monday.

1. (20 points)

What is the outcome in the following scenario involving competition for resources between two species competing for two limiting resources?  Be sure to show how you determined your answer.

Species A is more limited by the level of R1 than Species B and Species B is more limited by the level of R2 than Species A.  Species A consumers more R1 than it does R2 and Species B consumes more R2 than it does R1.

2.  (10 points)

Draw the graph that shows how the population growth rate varies over time in logistic growth when the initial population size is much smaller than the carrying capacity.

3. (10 points)

Diagram the Energy Pyramid.  Briefly discuss why the diagram has this shape.

4.  (60 points)

Answer only two of the following questions

a) Compare and contrast the equilibrium and non-equilibrium approach to studying community structure.  Choose one of the approaches and show how it can be used to help understand one environmental issue that has arisen as the result of human alteration of the environment in some way.

b) Discuss an example in which human alteration of an ecosystem process (i.e., energy flow, nutrient cycling) has produced an environmental problem.  What could be done to help solve this problem?

c) The World is Complicated!!! Discuss as this relates to this class.