1. Discuss the three characteristics used to describe a biological community.
2. What are two features of an island that affect its immigration and extinction rates?
3. Give some examples of indicator species.
4. Why are indicator species important to us?
5. What is meant by a keystone species?
6. Give some examples of keystone species and the roles they serve.
7. What are some examples of species evolving to cope with interspecific competition? (How have they adapted to reduce/avoid competition with other species?)
8. Why are predators generally less abundant than their prey?
9. Describe some means with which prey defend themselves against or avoid predators.
10. Describe how evolution can affect predator-prey relationships.
11. Describe some parasites that make humans their hosts.
12. Compare mutualism with commensalism. How are they similar? How are they different?
13. Give an example(s) of organisms that may have a mutualistic relationship with humans.
14. Give an example(s) of organisms that may have a commensalistic relationship with humans.
15. Outline the sequence of events in Primary Succession.
16. What are the three factors that affect the form and rate of succession?
17. Describe the affects of environmental disturbance on species diversity and succession.
18. What are the three factors that contribute to stability or sustainability in living systems?
19. How would you reply to someone who argues that we should not worry about our effects natural systems because succession will heal the wounds of human activities and restore the balance of nature?
20. What is the precautionary principle and when should it be applied to our dealings with natural systems?