WEEK ONE

WEEK TWO

WEEK THREE

WEEK FOUR

WEEK FIVE

WEEK SIX

WEEK SEVEN

WEEK EIGHT

WEEK NINE

WEEK TEN

WEEK TWELVE

WEEK THIRTEEN

WEEK FOURTEEN

WEEK FIFTEEN

WEEK SIXTEEN

Ecological Restoration:

1.What is the difference between ecological restoration and reclamation?

2.Describe 4 essential steps in ecological restoration.

3.Discuss two reasons that restoration is not a good substitute for protection of natural systems.

4.Describe some of the techniques that are likely to be used in large-scale restoration vs. small-scale restoration. Give an example of restoration projects that are

occurring at each of these scales.

5.Why do we need to know something about successional theory as a basis for restoration?

6.Compare and contrast the 3 models of succession described by Connell and Slatyer? Give an example of a community that is likely to follow each type of

succession.

7.Describe Jack Ewel's 5 tests of a successful restoration project.

Posted by: Lyn Branch

Date posted: Sat Nov 20 14:47:50 SYS$LOCALTIME 1999

Subject: Management Incorporating Natural Disturbance

Message:

1.Define "disturbance"

2.Give examples of small-scale, meso-scale, and large-scale disturbances within the same ecosystem.

3.What are two ways that disturbance can promote an increase in species diversity?

4.Describe 4 important attributes of disturbance that may, in part, determine the effects of the disturbance on an ecosystem, and thus are important to consider in

management.

5.Explain the concepts of "minimum dynamic area" and "shifting-mosaic steady state".

6.Maximizing the size of a management area, minimizes three major problems when managing disturbance. Discuss these problems.

7.Describe 3 ways agencies have typically managed disturbances. Which of these 3 is most likely to maintain the structure and function of an ecosystem?

Posted by: Susan Walker

Date posted: Mon Sep 13 9:37:58 SYS$LOCALTIME 1999

Subject: Diversity/Stability in Ecosystems

Message:

1.Are more diverse systems more stable? *New data suggest that the answer to this question differs depending on whether you are asking this question at the

population or community/ecosystem level. Explain this.

2.Explain 4 types (or ways of measuring) stability and illustrate each with a diagram or graph.

3.Give one example of how managing for "constancy" can be detrimental to maintaining an ecosystem.

4.Discuss 4 key elements for managing dynamic systems.

Posted by: Lyn Branch

Date posted: Sat Nov 20 14:54:01 SYS$LOCALTIME 1999

Subject: Reserve design

Message:

1.Describe how traditional approaches and more recent approaches to reserve design differ.

2.List 4 of the current criteria often used for selecting reserves.

3.What are 3 general principals that often are considered in selecting priority areas for reserves? Give an example of how each might be used.

4.Several "Design Rules" have been proposed regarding the size, shape, and landscape configuration of reserves. What are these rules? Discuss the "pros" and

"cons" of each.

5.How good is the evidence for the effectiveness of corridors?

6.Discuss the concept of boundaries of natural areas as "filters".

7.Bill Newmark compared legal and "biotic" boundaries for national parks. What were his conclusions?

8.Discuss 6 guidelines for establishing boundaries of protected areas.

Posted by: Lyn Branch

Date posted: Mon Aug 30 11:18:25 SYS$LOCALTIME 1999

Subject: Diversity

Message:

Types of diversity and measuring and monitoring diversity.

Describe the following: alpha, beta, and gamma diversity

What processes result in the loss of beta diversity?

There are at least 3 attributes of any system that should be considered when developing conservation and monitoring strategies. Describe these 3 attributes and

give an example of indicators for monitoring these attributes at the following levels of organization:genetic, population-species, community-ecosystem, and

landscape (NOTE: see p. 89 in your book if you need help with this question.)

Discuss the limitations of focusing conservation efforts on compositional diversity.

How are compositional and functional diversity linked to structural diversity? Include examples with your answer.

What do indicator species "indicate"? Discuss the pitfalls or problems associated with using indicator species. (Note: Your discussion should focus on indicators of

several different attributes or problems.)

What was the general strategy of the Klamath National Forest in conserving and monitoring biodiversity?

Posted by: Matt Reetz

Date posted: Tue Nov 3 15:19:41 SYS$LOCALTIME 1998

Subject: Metapopulations

Message:

Another look at metapopulations………..

1)What do the Equilibrium Theory of Island Biogeography and Metapopulation Theory have in common?

2) In what major ways do these differ?

3) Describe the key characteristics of the terms listed below and discuss key considerations in implementing habitat protection for species exhibiting each of these

population structures:

a)classic metapopulation

b)non-equilibrium metapopulation

c)mainland-island metapopulation

d)source-sink system

4) Describe the metapopulation structure of the Florida scrub jay.

5) How has Metapopulation Theory aided in development of the "landscape rules" for scrub jays? What are these rules and why were they developed?

Posted by: Matt Reetz

Date posted: Tue Nov 3 15:20:14 SYS$LOCALTIME 1998

Subject: Habitat fragmentation

Habitat fragmentation can have many different effects. Describe: Sampling effects, Area effects, Isolation effects

* Define the following terms and explain why these concepts are important in conservation of natural areas: 1) rescue effect 2) faunal relaxation

* Describe 3 empirical observations about species-area relationship on islands used to draw inferences about protected areas. Illustrate these observations with graphs.

* Draw a graph that illustrates the essential elements of the Dynamic Equilibrium Theory of Island Biogeography (ETIB) and describe the key points of this theory (i.e.,

interpret the graph).

* Why was ETIB used as a model to guide conservation?

* Describe two key contributions of ETIB to conservation.

Describe 3 problems with the "strict" application of ETIB to conservation.

Posted by: Matt Reetz

Date posted: Sat Nov 20 15:04:23 SYS$LOCALTIME 1999

Subject: Biological invasions

Message:

Outline 4 arguments made to support the idea that introduced species should not be viewed as "bad"

Outline 4 arguments to support the opposite view.

Briefly discuss 3 characteristics that may make a community more easily invaded.

Discuss three effects of introduced species at the population/community levels and give an example of each.

Discuss (with examples) effects of introduced species on 4 different processes at the ecosystem level.

Posted by: Matt Reetz

Date posted: Tue Nov 3 15:22:00 SYS$LOCALTIME 1998

Subject: Edge Effects

Message:

You should know at least the following about edge effects:

How does "edge effect" as discussed by early wildlife biologists (e.g., Leopold) differ from "edge effect" as currently used in conservation?

Discuss:

Abiotic edge effects (at least 4)

Biotic edge effects (at least 6)

Give examples of cascading effects.

How does the size and shape of a patch affect edge?

How/why does the "effective" width of edge for a patch vary?

Posted by: Matt Reetz

Date posted: Sat Nov 20 15:01:11 SYS$LOCALTIME 1999

Subject: Ecosystem engineers

Message:

Ecosystem engineers

1) What is an ecosystem engineer?

2) What is the difference between an "autogenic" and an "allogenic" engineer? Give two examples of each type.

3) Are ecosystem engineers keystone species?

Vizcachas:

1) What is the family of the vizcacha?

2) What is the general geographic range of the vizcacha?

3) What North American species is most similar ecologically and behaviorally to the vizcacha?

4) In what ways does the vizcacha "engineer" the semi-arid ecosystem of Argentina?

5) What role may native felids have played in the evolution of behaviors that are linked to the ecosystem engineering effects of vizcachas?

6) Why might we consider the population dynamics of the vizcacha a keystone process in this system?

] Posted by: Lyn Branch

Organization:University of Florida

Date posted: Sat Nov 20 14:58:03 SYS$LOCALTIME 1999

Subject: Keystone species

Message:

1.What is a keystone species?

2.What is the difference in a keystone and a dominant?

3.Be able to draw a graph that illustrates the difference in a keystone and a dominant.

4.Describe four types of keystones and give an example of each.

5.What do we mean when we say a keystone species is context-specific? Give an example.

6.Describe 5 objections to the use of the keystone-species concept in conservation discussed by Mills et al. (reserve reading).

7.Discuss 3 arguments for the importance of the keystone-species concept in conservation.

1.Define "disturbance"

2.Give examples of small-scale, meso-scale, and large-scale disturbances within the same ecosystem.

3.What are two ways that disturbance can promote an increase in species diversity?

4.Describe 4 important attributes of disturbance that may, in part, determine the effects of the disturbance on an ecosystem, and thus are important to consider in

management.

5.Explain the concepts of "minimum dynamic area" and "shifting-mosaic steady state".

6.Maximizing the size of a management area, minimizes three major problems when managing disturbance. Discuss these problems.

7.Describe 3 ways agencies have typically managed disturbances. Which of these 3 is most likely to maintain the structure and function of an ecosystem?

1.Are more diverse systems more stable? *New data suggest that the answer to this question differs depending on whether you are asking this question at the

population or community/ecosystem level. Explain this.

2.Explain 4 types (or ways of measuring) stability and illustrate each with a diagram or graph.

3.Give one example of how managing for "constancy" can be detrimental to maintaining an ecosystem.

4.Discuss 4 key elements for managing dynamic systems.

1.Describe how traditional approaches and more recent approaches to reserve design differ.

2.List 4 of the current criteria often used for selecting reserves.

3.What are 3 general principals that often are considered in selecting priority areas for reserves? Give an example of how each might be used.

4.Several "Design Rules" have been proposed regarding the size, shape, and landscape configuration of reserves. What are these rules? Discuss the "pros" and

"cons" of each.

5.How good is the evidence for the effectiveness of corridors?

6.Discuss the concept of boundaries of natural areas as "filters".

7.Bill Newmark compared legal and "biotic" boundaries for national parks. What were his conclusions?

Types of diversity and measuring and monitoring diversity.

Describe the following: alpha, beta, and gamma diversity

What processes result in the loss of beta diversity?

There are at least 3 attributes of any system that should be considered when developing conservation and monitoring strategies. Describe these 3 attributes and

give an example of indicators for monitoring these attributes at the following levels of organization:genetic, population-species, community-ecosystem, and

landscape (NOTE: see p. 89 in your book if you need help with this question.)

Discuss the limitations of focusing conservation efforts oncompositional diversity.

How are compositional and functional diversity linked to structural diversity? Include examples with your answer.

What do indicator species "indicate"? Discuss the pitfalls or problems associated with using indicator species. (Note: Your discussion should focus on indicators of

several different attributes or problems.)

What was the general strategy of the Klamath National Forest in conserving and monitoring biodiversity?

1)What do the Equilibrium Theory of Island Biogeography and Metapopulation Theory have in common?

2) In what major ways do these differ?

3) Describe the key characteristics of the terms listed below and discuss key considerations in implementing habitat protection for species exhibiting each of these

population structures:

a)classic metapopulation

b)non-equilibrium metapopulation

c)mainland-island metapopulation

d)source-sink system

4) Describe the metapopulation structure of the Florida scrub jay.

5) How has Metapopulation Theory aided in development of the "landscape rules" for scrub jays? What are these rules and why were they developed?

* Define the following terms and explain why these concepts are important in conservation of natural areas: 1) rescue effect 2) faunal relaxation

* Describe 3 empirical observations about species-area relationship on islands used to draw inferences about protected areas. Illustrate these observations with graphs.

* Draw a graph that illustrates the essential elements of the Dynamic Equilibrium Theory of Island Biogeography (ETIB) and describe the key points of this theory (i.e.,

interpret the graph).

* Why was ETIB used as a model to guide conservation?

* Describe two key contributions of ETIB to conservation.

Describe 3 problems with the "strict" application of ETIB to conservation.

Outline 4 arguments made to support the idea that introduced species should not be viewed as "bad"

Outline 4 arguments to support the opposite view.

Briefly discuss 3 characteristics that may make a community more easily invaded.

Discuss three effects of introduced species at the population/community levels and give an example of each.

Discuss (with examples) effects of introduced species on 4 different processes at the ecosystem level.

How does "edge effect" as discussed by early wildlife biologists (e.g., Leopold) differ from "edge effect" as currently used in conservation?

Discuss:

Abiotic edge effects (at least 4)

Biotic edge effects (at least 6)

Give examples of cascading effects.

How does the size and shape of a patch affect edge?

How/why does the "effective" width of edge for a patch vary?

Message:

Ecosystem engineers

1) What is an ecosystem engineer?

2) What is the difference between an "autogenic" and an "allogenic" engineer? Give two examples of each type.

3) Are ecosystem engineers keystone species?

Vizcachas:

1) What is the family of the vizcacha?

2) What is the general geographic range of the vizcacha?

3) What North American species is most similar ecologically and behaviorally to the vizcacha?

4) In what ways does the vizcacha "engineer" the semi-arid ecosystem of Argentina?

5) What role may native felids have played in the evolution of behaviors that are linked to the ecosystem engineering effects of vizcachas?

6) Why might we consider the population dynamics of the vizcacha a keystone process in this system?

  8) Discuss 6 guidelines for establishing boundaries of protected areas

1.What is a keystone species?

2.What is the difference in a keystone and a dominant?

3.Be able to draw a graph that illustrates the difference in a keystone and a dominant.

4.Describe four types of keystones and give an example of each.

5.What do we mean when we say a keystone species is context-specific? Give an example.

6.Describe 5 objections to the use of the keystone-species concept in conservation discussed by Mills et al. (reserve reading).

te posted: Sat Nov 20 14:44:59 SYS$LOCALTIME 1999

Subject: Questions on Restoration

Message:

Ecological Restoration:

1.What is the difference between ecological restoration and reclamation?

2.Describe 4 essential steps in ecological restoration.

3.Discuss two reasons that restoration is not a good substitute for protection of natural systems.

4.Describe some of the techniques that are likely to be used in large-scale restoration vs. small-scale restoration. Give an example of restoration projects that are

occurring at each of these scales.

5.Why do we need to know something about successional theory as a basis for restoration?

6.Compare and contrast the 3 models of succession described by Connell and Slatyer? Give an example of a community that is likely to follow each type of

succession.

7.Describe Jack Ewel's 5 tests of a successful restoration project.

Posted by: Lyn Branch

Date posted: Sat Nov 20 14:47:50 SYS$LOCALTIME 1999

Subject: Management Incorporating Natural Disturbance

Message:

1.Define "disturbance"

2.Give examples of small-scale, meso-scale, and large-scale disturbances within the same ecosystem.

3.What are two ways that disturbance can promote an increase in species diversity?

4.Describe 4 important attributes of disturbance that may, in part, determine the effects of the disturbance on an ecosystem, and thus are important to consider in

management.

5.Explain the concepts of "minimum dynamic area" and "shifting-mosaic steady state".

6.Maximizing the size of a management area, minimizes three major problems when managing disturbance. Discuss these problems.

7.Describe 3 ways agencies have typically managed disturbances. Which of these 3 is most likely to maintain the structure and function of an ecosystem?

Posted by: Susan Walker

Date posted: Mon Sep 13 9:37:58 SYS$LOCALTIME 1999

Subject: Diversity/Stability in Ecosystems

Message:

1.Are more diverse systems more stable? *New data suggest that the answer to this question differs depending on whether you are asking this question at the

population or community/ecosystem level. Explain this.

2.Explain 4 types (or ways of measuring) stability and illustrate each with a diagram or graph.

3.Give one example of how managing for "constancy" can be detrimental to maintaining an ecosystem.

4.Discuss 4 key elements for managing dynamic systems.

Posted by: Lyn Branch

Date posted: Sat Nov 20 14:54:01 SYS$LOCALTIME 1999

Subject: Reserve design

Message:

1.Describe how traditional approaches and more recent approaches to reserve design differ.

2.List 4 of the current criteria often used for selecting reserves.

3.What are 3 general principals that often are considered in selecting priority areas for reserves? Give an example of how each might be used.

4.Several "Design Rules" have been proposed regarding the size, shape, and landscape configuration of reserves. What are these rules? Discuss the "pros" and

"cons" of each.

5.How good is the evidence for the effectiveness of corridors?

6.Discuss the concept of boundaries of natural areas as "filters".

7.Bill Newmark compared legal and "biotic" boundaries for national parks. What were his conclusions?

8.Discuss 6 guidelines for establishing boundaries of protected areas.

Posted by: Lyn Branch

Date posted: Mon Aug 30 11:18:25 SYS$LOCALTIME 1999

Subject: Diversity

Message:

Types of diversity and measuring and monitoring diversity.

Describe the following: alpha, beta, and gamma diversity

What processes result in the loss of beta diversity?

There are at least 3 attributes of any system that should be considered when developing conservation and monitoring strategies. Describe these 3 attributes and

give an example of indicators for monitoring these attributes at the following levels of organization:genetic, population-species, community-ecosystem, and

landscape (NOTE: see p. 89 in your book if you need help with this question.)

Discuss the limitations of focusing conservation efforts oncompositional diversity.

How are compositional and functional diversity linked to structural diversity? Include examples with your answer.

What do indicator species "indicate"? Discuss the pitfalls or problems associated with using indicator species. (Note: Your discussion should focus on indicators of

several different attributes or problems.)

What was the general strategy of the Klamath National Forest in conserving and monitoring biodiversity?

Posted by: Matt Reetz

Date posted: Tue Nov 3 15:19:41 SYS$LOCALTIME 1998

Subject: Metapopulations

Message:

Another look at metapopulations………..

1)What do the Equilibrium Theory of Island Biogeography and Metapopulation Theory have in common?

2) In what major ways do these differ?

3) Describe the key characteristics of the terms listed below and discuss key considerations in implementing habitat protection for species exhibiting each of these

population structures:

a)classic metapopulation

b)non-equilibrium metapopulation

c)mainland-island metapopulation

d)source-sink system

4) Describe the metapopulation structure of the Florida scrub jay.

5) How has Metapopulation Theory aided in development of the "landscape rules" for scrub jays? What are these rules and why were they developed?

Posted by: Matt Reetz

Date posted: Tue Nov 3 15:20:14 SYS$LOCALTIME 1998

Subject: Habitat fragmentation

Message:

Habitat fragmentation can have many different effects. Describe: Sampling effects, Area effects, Isolation effects

* Define the following terms and explain why these concepts are important in conservation of natural areas: 1) rescue effect 2) faunal relaxation

* Describe 3 empirical observations about species-area relationship on islands used to draw inferences about protected areas. Illustrate these observations with graphs.

* Draw a graph that illustrates the essential elements of the Dynamic Equilibrium Theory of Island Biogeography (ETIB) and describe the key points of this theory (i.e.,

interpret the graph).

* Why was ETIB used as a model to guide conservation?

* Describe two key contributions of ETIB to conservation.

• Describe 3 problems with the "strict" application of ETIB to conservation.

Posted by: Matt Reetz

Date posted: Sat Nov 20 15:04:23 SYS$LOCALTIME 1999

Subject: Biological invasions

Message:

Outline 4 arguments made to support the idea that introduced species should not be viewed as "bad"

Outline 4 arguments to support the opposite view.

Briefly discuss 3 characteristics that may make a community more easily invaded.

Discuss three effects of introduced species at the population/community levels and give an example of each.

Discuss (with examples) effects of introduced species on 4 different processes at the ecosystem level.

Posted by: Matt Reetz

Date posted: Tue Nov 3 15:22:00 SYS$LOCALTIME 1998

Subject: Edge Effects

Message:

You should know at least the following about edge effects:

How does "edge effect" as discussed by early wildlife biologists (e.g., Leopold) differ from "edge effect" as currently used in conservation?

Discuss:

Abiotic edge effects (at least 4)

Biotic edge effects (at least 6)

Give examples of cascading effects.

How does the size and shape of a patch affect edge?

How/why does the "effective" width of edge for a patch vary?

Posted by: Matt Reetz

Date posted: Sat Nov 20 15:01:11 SYS$LOCALTIME 1999

Subject: Ecosystem engineers

Message:

Ecosystem engineers

1) What is an ecosystem engineer?

2) What is the difference between an "autogenic" and an "allogenic" engineer? Give two examples of each type.

3) Are ecosystem engineers keystone species?

Vizcachas:

1) What is the family of the vizcacha?

2) What is the general geographic range of the vizcacha?

3) What North American species is most similar ecologically and behaviorally to the vizcacha?

4) In what ways does the vizcacha "engineer" the semi-arid ecosystem of Argentina?

5) What role may native felids have played in the evolution of behaviors that are linked to the ecosystem engineering effects of vizcachas?

6) Why might we consider the population dynamics of the vizcacha a keystone process in this system?

] Posted by: Lyn Branch

Organization:University of Florida

Date posted: Sat Nov 20 14:58:03 SYS$LOCALTIME 1999

Subject: Keystone species

Message:

1.What is a keystone species?

2.What is the difference in a keystone and a dominant?

3.Be able to draw a graph that illustrates the difference in a keystone and a dominant.

4.Describe four types of keystones and give an example of each.

5.What do we mean when we say a keystone species is context-specific? Give an example.

6.Describe 5 objections to the use of the keystone-species concept in conservation discussed by Mills et al. (reserve reading).