1. Final Exam Studyguide
Definitions: population ecology Population structure
Population density life table
Fecundity life history cohort
demography Survivorship curves intrinsic rate of increase
exponential growth model dN/dt = ri N carrying capacity
Logistic growth model dN/dt = rN(K-N/K) r-selected
K-selected J-Shaped curve S-Shaped curve
Density dependent density independent clumped
Random uniform managing populations
Photosynthesis autotrophs primary producers
Heterotrophs consumers trophic levels
Primary consumers secondary consumers tertiary consumers
Omnivores biomass
Food chain food web detritivores
parasitism Mutualism Commensalism
amensalism Predator/prey competition
prey adaptations cryptic coloration mechanical defenses
warning displays Batesian mimicry mullerian mimicry
interference competition exploitative competition
interspecific intraspecific competitive exclusion
community habitat trophic cascades
ecosystem engineers keystone species disturbance
succession (primary & secondary) intermediate disturbance
species richness vs. species diversity physical environment
oceans freshwater land
atmosphere troposphere ozone
upwelling zone groundwater stratosphere
greenhouse gases solar energy gross primary production
net primary production fossil fuels Biogeochemical cycles
water cycle transpiration deforestation
Carbon cycle nitrogen cycle phosphorous cycle
Ecosystem sustainability conservation biology extinctions
Threatened species endangered species species-area relationship
Habitat destruction Introduction of exotic species
Overexploitation Climate change invasive species
Bleaching preserves centers of imminent extinction
restoration ecology reconciliation ecology
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
Potential essays:
1. Explain the differences between the Exponential and Logistic growth models. Include the equations
and diagram both curves.
2. Discuss the characteristics of r-selected and K-selected species. Draw the three survivorship curves.
3. List all of the different types of relationships organisms can have when they interact. Explain the
relationships giving examples of each. A chart may help you get started.
4. Explain primary and secondary succession and give an example of both.
5. Complete a water cycle by drawing all players in a cycle. Explain how water runs through its
complete cycle. What does the future hold for us if the water cycle is not modified?

2. 6. Explain conservation biology and the steps needed to make a change!
7. Explain the carbon cycle thoroughly a diagram will help identify the cycle then write the process.
8. Draw a food web and identify all of the players involved. Explain how much energy is lost as you go
up the food chain.
9. List and explain the different warning displays organisms can produce. Why are they important?
10. What type of diversity do oceans, freshwater and terrestrial physical habitats play a role in? Give
some examples of organisms that live in each area.