1.Discuss how elevated temperature and precipitation could help and also hinder primary
production in autotrophic organisms. Compare primary productivity in at least four
community/biome types, and be sure to highlight both the most productive and least
productive areas; state contributing factors leading to high or low productivity. With a
focus on marine ecosystems, which are generally the most productive: coastal or open
oceanic environments? Also, with a focus on marine ecosystems, which is more
productive and why: tropical, open oceanic systems or temperate, open oceanic systems?
With respect to secondary productivity, discuss ecological pyramids based on numbers,
biomass, and energy. Out of the three, which shows the least bias, and why? What are
the generalizations concerning the different trophic levels in these pyramids, and what are
some problems that complicate the development and interpretation of these pyramids?
2.
Discuss aquatic ecosystems in terms of lotic and lentic types (as well as oligotrophic
and eutrophic conditions). Highlight the generalizations for each regarding such factors
as dissolved oxygen content and turbidity. Also, what affects pH in both types of
systems? Discuss various types (and examples) of feeders in these systems: shredders,
collectors, scrapers, piercers, and predators. Locally (in north Alabama and the southern
Appalachians), what two factors are potentially devastating to native trout populations?
Discuss the domino effect starting with the root causes and their effects regarding the
latter.
Sample Solution
