Ecology: Theory and Applications
Gaytha A. Langlois, Ph.D.
  Site Map
  Ecology - Exam I Review
 Updated: March 20, 2011
Overall Strategy
Read assigned chapters in Raven, Berg & Johnson, for Weeks 1-6 (Chaps. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,14,17,A-1) 
Read assigned Reserve Readings (#1, 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5, 6a, 6b) Available on Library Electronic Reserve
Become familiar with terms associated with each week's general lecture outline (Weeks 1-6)
Be able to discuss Focus Questions for each week (Weeks 1-6)
(see "Course Notes" on Site Map on this page)
Structure of the Exam
 Mixture of different types of questions (multiple choice, matching, T/F,
short answer discussion questions, IDs)
Approximately 70 objective questions; about 8-10 short-answer questions
Coverage of Material
Emphasis on understanding concepts and applying examples
Even coverage of all topics (no particular emphasis)
About 1/2 from textbook and readings; 1/2 from classroom/website/recorded lectures)
Study Session
Review/question session with Professor (Tuesday, May 22, 4:00-5:00 p.m. before exam)
 (Room 345 or Laboratory 380)

Special Topics of Emphasis
Complexity of Environmental Decision Making
Systems Theory and Application to Ecosystem Analysis (Recorded Lecture)
(including effects of entropy and energy needs for systems)
Levels of Biological Organization
Ecosystem Dynamics (food webs, trophic interactions, photosynthesis, respiration)
Biogeochemical Cycles (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, mercury, radionuclides)
Biodiversity & Ecological Sustainability - Main elements of a good recycling plan
Example of an endangered species (location, underlying factors, programs for protection, etc.)
 Infrastructure Management (resource issues, stakeholders, short-term vs. long-term benefits, etc.)
Natural Capitalism (financial, infrastructure, human and natural capital)
Global Pollution Problems

Nuclear Power Generation Facilities (operation, fuel cycle, safety issues, accidents, radiation)

Additional Terms (if not already listed on the Course Web site)
Baijy (Yangtze River dolphins)
Belarus (Energy needs, government structure, effects of Chernobyl accident)
Camouflage
Carbon fixation
Chernobyl
Coral bleaching
Detritovores
Ecological Succession
Energy Needs of Systems
Eutrophication
 Exotic Species (Invasive Species)
Great Barrier Reef Protection Act
Greenhouse Gases
Half Life

Heron Island Marine Research Station
Highly Developed Countries (HDC) and Less Developed Countries (LDC)
Impacts of Population Growth on the Earth's Resources
IPAT Model
Infrastructure (focus on U.S.)
Keystone Species
Limits of Tolerance
Methyl Mercury
Metasequoia
Organic Compound
Pioneer Organisms
POET Model
Radionuclides
Scientific Method and Scientific Journal Publication Process
Silent Spring (Rachel Carson) - Importance of book?
Stratospheric Ozone Depletion (be able to differentiate from global warming)
Sustainability
Three Gorges Dam
Vernal Pools

  

copyright
Gaytha A. Langlois, Ph.D., 1999
Bryant College, Smithfield, RI 02917
E-mail: langlois@bryant.edu
Last Updated: March 2011