Ecology Focus Questions
for the Ecology Test

1) Explain the importance of a population's age structure. In other words, what can we find out about a population from its age structure (hint: look back at the worksheet with the 3 age structure diagrams for Nigeria, U.S. & Germany)?

2) Compare and contrast exponential growth and logistic growth curves.

3) Why are small populations more vulnerable to extinction?

4) Compare and contrast the symbiotic relationships (mutualism, commensalism, & parasitism) and give an example of each.

5) Please give 5 pairs of predator and prey adaptations (structural, physiological, and behavioral). List the predator adaptation and then give the prey adaptation that would be its defense against it.

6) Explain how disturbances affect community stability.

7) Distinguish between types of succession, and explain why succession may not be predictable.

8) Explain the natural functions of the ozone layer and greenhouse effect.

9) Discuss the value of biodiversity.

10) Describe major consequences of air pollution.

11) Relate air pollution to effects on global climate.

12) Describe the process of biological magnification.