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CSB810S-CONSERVATION BIOLOGY -2ND OPP -JULY 2024 |
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nAm I BI A u n IVE RSITV
OF SCIEnCE Ano TECHnOLOGY
Faculty of Health, Applied Sciencesand Natural Resources
School of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Department of Natural Resources Sciences
QUALIFICATION: Bachelor of Natural Resource Management Honours
QUALIFICATIONCODE: 08BNRH
LEVEL:8
COURSE:Conservation Biology
COURSECODE: CSB810S
DATE:July 2024
DURATION: 3 (three) hours
MARKS: 100
SECONDOPPORTUNITY/SUPPLEMENTARYEXAMINATION QUESTIONPAPER
EXAMINER(S) DrT. Nzuma
MODERATOR: Prof. H. Ndagurwa
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Answer ALL the questions.
2. Write clearly and neatly.
3. Number the answers clearly.
PERMISSIBLEMATERIALS
1. Examination question paper
2. Answering book
3. Calculator
THIS QUESTION PAPERCONSISTSOF 2 PAGE(Excluding this front page}
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Question 1
[20]
Define and explain the significance of the following terms in the context of conservation biology (4
marks each):
a) Ecological Succession
b) Keystone Species
c) Edge Effects
d) Biological Corridor
e) Ecosystem Services
Question 2
[30]
Given the following scenario: A national park is experiencing significant declines in its amphibian
populations. The park is surrounded by agricultural land where pesticides are heavily used. Analyse the
situation by answering the following:
a) Discuss how the use of pesticides in adjacent agricultural lands could affect amphibian
populations in the park.
[10]
b) Propose three management strategies that could be implemented to mitigate the impact of
pesticides on these populations.
[20]
Question 3
[25]
a) Calculate the Shannon Diversity Index for both Patch A and Patch B
[10]
Below is the bird species observation data for two different forest patches, Patch A and Patch B.
Species
Species 1
Species 2
Species 3
Species 4
Species S
Species 6
Species 7
Species 8
Species 9
Species 10
Patch A (Number of Individuals)
so
so
so
so
so
so
so
so
so
so
Patch B (Number of Individuals)
160
80
60
40
30
30
0
0
0
0
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b) Based on the Shannon Diversity Indices calculated for Patch A and Patch B, interpret what these
indices tell you about the biodiversity in each forest patch. Discusswhich patch is more diverse and
why this might be significant for the ecosystem.
[5]
c) Propose at least two management strategies that could be implemented in Patch B to increase its
species diversity to levels closer to those observed in Patch A. Discussthe potential benefits and
challenges associated with these strategies.
[10]
Question 4
[25]
Discussthe concept of "Resilience Theory" in conservation biology. In your essay, cover the following
points:
a) Define resilience as it applies to ecological systems.
[S]
b) Explain how resilience theory can guide conservation efforts.
(10]
c) Provide a real-world example of a conservation strategy that utilizes resilience theory. (10]
THEEND
Total Marks: 100
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