Natural Systems 1 Exam 1
Natural Systems 1 Fall 2003 Exam Review Sheet—More later
Be prepared to understand concepts. Be able to calculate sun angles using shadow lengths. Be able to calculate a mean, range, etc. Know what a t-test is and how a t-test is used (think population lab, but we may ask you to interpret a statistical result in an ecological context). Know how to interpret a p value.
- Be thoroughly familiar with all Lecture Material (Hays Cummins (5 lectures); Joseph Dorsey (3 lecture); Bill Green (1 lecture) and Chris Myers (4 lectures)
- Be sure you have read and comprehend all class readings
- General Statistics (be able to calculate mean and use statistics in hypothesis testing)
- Earth-Sun Relationships—Be able to use a calculator in order to calculate sun angles (altitude and zenith angle). Have a general understanding of earth-sun relationships, seasons, and the earth’s heat budget
1.)In Collins Run, an Ordovician outcrop can be seen in which a layer of fossiliferous limestone has been deposited on a layer mudstone. Which layer is oldest and WHY? How might we be able to determine the ABSOLUTE age of these rocks?
2.)What kinds of natural processes are at work in the Bluffs?
3.)In Measuring Time, what types of fossils are used to date sediment layers? Can you think of any of these? What is the significance of these fossils to the geologic time scale.
4.)In terms of environmental sustainability, what does it mean to “think like a mountain?”
5.)In Thinking Like a Mountain, the author eludes to the predator-prey relationship between wolves and deer. Talk about the significance of such relationships in context of whole ecosystems in which they live. What are some specific problems with eliminating predators like wolves? How can this impact the surrounding natural environment and even perhaps the physical landscape?
6.)What is astrobiology and why is it important? Speak to the interdisciplinary nature of this emerging field?
7.)Recent advances have strengthened our knowledge of astrobiology. The article points out three of these advances. Pick one and describe some of its promises and limitations in the search for life?
8.)What characterizes a habitable zone?
9.)In the natural sciences, how is the process of evolution defined? Describe the process of natural selection? How is the success of a species determined?
10.)How do Earth-Sun relationships dictate the climate of the Earth?
11.)Describe the Greenhouse Effect and its impact on climate.
12.)Sketch a graph with temperature on the y-axis and time on the x-axis that shows the relationship of temperature vs. time over the past 100yrs. What would the same graph look like if CO2 were plotted vs. time.
13.)How have global temps changed from the Cretaceous to the Pliestocene to the Holocene? How can we tell?
14.)A weather person on Channel 9 states that the ‘normal’ high for Dec. 25th is 38 degrees. From what you’ve learned, what could you tell the weather person to inform him/her about ‘normal’ climate patterns in the Holocene?
15.)When studying climate change, is the present the key to the past or is the past the key to the future? Explain.
16.)What is species richness and how is it measured? What types of gradients influence biodiversity. Sketch a graph of one of these gradients on the x-axis and number of species on the y-axis. Give units where appropriate.
17.)Biodiversity is extremely important to researchers in the natural sciences as well as the social sciences. Give 3 reasons why protecting biodiversity is important.
18.)How can Geographic Information Systems be used to answer research questions? Give an example.
19.)In mapping, what are attributes and what are classes? What are they used to make? What are some advantages/disadvantages with chloropleth mapping. What are some ways to correct for the deficiencies of chloropleth maps?
20.)What is meant by overlay mapping? What are some types of layers that can be added?
21.)What are some environmental issues in temperate forests? Describe some research done in one of these areas?
22.)What are invasive species, their characteristics, and their effects upon native flora and fauna? Use the articles in the readers as examples? From this research, what are some possible management strategies?
23.)Water has many unique physical properties. Describe four unique properties of water and how these properties shape natural systems on the Earth.
24.)What happens to concentrations of ions (salts) as they move from glaciers to streams to lakes in the Taylor Valley of Antarctica? Sketch of graph of depth vs conc. for ions such as Ca+ in Antarctic Lakes. Is this typical of lakes in temperate regions like Ohio?