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CSE621S - CONSERVATION ECOLOGY 2 - 1ST OPP - JAN 2023 pdf |
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nAm I BIA un IVE RSITY
OF SCIEn CE Ano TECHn OLOGY
FACULTYOF HEALTH,NATURAL RESOURCESAND APPLIEDSCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES SCIENCES
QUALIFICATION: BACHELOR OF NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
QUALIFICATION CODE: 07BNRS
LEVEL: 7
COURSE CODE: CSE621S
COURSE NAME: Conservation Ecology 2
DATE: January 2023
DURATION: 3 hours
MARKS: 150
SECONDOPPORTUNITY/ SUPPLEMENTARYEXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER
EXAMINER(S) Mr Richard Kavari, Prof Theo Wassenaar and Mr Jeremia K.L.Amutenya
MODERATOR: Prof. Morgan Hauptfleisch
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 PAPER CONSISTS OF 4 PAGES (Excluding this front page}
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QUESTION 1
Write short notes to define or explain the following ecological terms:
1.1. Herbivory
1.2. Regime shifts
1.3. Landscape ecology
1.4. Ecosystem management
1.5. Population dynamics
1.6. Habitat fragmentation
QUESTION 2
Differentiate between the following ecological terms.
1.1. Keystone species vs. Ecosystem engineer
1.2. Stochastic vs. Deterministic {with reference to causes of local extinction of
species)
1.3 Pre vs. post reproductive stage
1.4 Emigration vs. Immigration
1.5 Natality vs. Mortality
QUESTION 3 Ecosystem Health and Management
3.1. Outline seven critical steps to ensure effective ecosystem management.
3.2. Explain how the concept of ecosystem management can be used in the
environmental impact assessment sector.
{1)
(1)
{2}
{2}
{1}
{1}
[8]
{4}
(2)
(2)
{2}
{2)
[12]
{7)
{5)
[12]
QUESTION 4 Dryland ecology and habitat suitability
4.1. Using a diagram, explain the differences between "fundamental niche" and
"realised niche" and how a stressor may change this.
{5)
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4.2. With reference to your assignment on the topic of the limits of adaptability, discuss
one example of a species that will be affected by climate change, explaining the
main mechanism through which it will be affected, and how it will be affected.
(5)
4.3. Discussthe various ecophysiological and anatomical aspects of the adaptation or
non-adaptation of the Namibian plant Welwitschia mirabilis to the extreme water
stress in the Namib Desert. Explain why this is remarkable.
(5)
4.4. Explain the difference and relationship between the habitat and the distribution
of a species.
(3)
4.5. Explain, how a habitat suitability model can be used to assessthe threat of
invasion by an exotic (non-native) species or to confirm its conservation status. (2)
4.6. Name and discuss one example where climate change has had an effect on the
physiology and/or development of an organism and one example of where climate
change has altered the phenology of plants or animals.
(4)
4.7. True or false: the Succulent Karoo Biome will decrease in spatial extent within
Namibia's borders.
(1)
[25]
QUESTION 5 Population Ecology and Management
5.1. Monitoring is the most neglected, but one of the most important aspects of
management. Explain this statement.
(2)
5.2. The following is a hypothetical life table for a roan antelope population.
X
Nx
Ix
dx
qx
0-1
800
1.000
1-2
540
B
C
2-3
350
A
a) Calculate A, Band Con the table above. Show your calculations and
convert your answers to the nearest three decimal places.
(3)
b) If the Ix for age interval 2-3 is 0.600, what would have been the original
population?
(1)
c) Calculate px for age group 1- 2 years.
(1)
d) If the average/mean number of off-springs per individual for age group
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2-3 is 2, what would be the reproductive rate for that age group?
(2)
5.3. What is Basal cover and assess its importance for Natural Resource Managers
to consider or monitor?
(2)
5.4. The following data were obtained from a 48 hour waterhole census. Briefly
discuss the age structure of each population, giving possible reasons.
(6)
Juvet1iles
sub-adults
adults
Kudu
14
16
25
Roan antelope
6
8
19
Wildebeest
7
5
52
5.5. A population of 30 sable antelope is introduced to a game farm. Draw the shape
of the population growth curve you would expect for this population for 15
years, given that the carrying capacity is estimated to be 210, and assuming that
the population grows well. Include the labels for the axes.
(5)
5.6. Draw a diagram to illustrate how an increase in buffalo population may affect
the mortality rate of roan calves.
(5)
5.7. A population of 20 roan antelope is introduced to a game farm. Calculate the
estimated population size after 30 years, given an estimated growth rate (Ro)
(based on research in other areas) of 1.25.
(2)
[29]
QUESTION 6 Disturbance and Response
6.1. The Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis is widely used to explain the effect of
disturbances on species diversity in Ecology. Briefly expand on the Intermediate
Disturbance Hypothesis.
(6)
6.2. List four (4) factors that shape a Savannah ecosystem.
(4)
6.3. Name and explain six (6) factors influencing fire behaviour.
(6)
6.4. Name four characteristics of pioneer species.
(2)
6.5. Compare the characteristic of equilibrium and non-equilibrium systems using the
following parameter (abiotic patterns, plant-herbivore interactions, population
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patterns and community/ecosystem characteristics).
(8)
[26]
QUESTION 7 From ecology to management at landscape level
7.1. Discuss at least two ways in which landscape ecology is used in biological
conservation and give an example.
(5)
7.2. Ecological restoration attempts to assist disturbed areas to recover their pre-
disturbance character, or something similar. Discuss why and how a landscape
ecology approach can benefit the theory and practice of ecological restoration.
(5)
7.3. Define the concept of patch dynamics and assessits usefulness for conservation. (5)
7.4. Explain the two main processes through which a metapopulation functions in the
overall conservation of a species.
(2)
7.5. Discussthe link between island biogeography theory and meta populations.
(3)
7.6. Explain the meaning of a corridor in ecology and provide a Namibian example.
(2)
7.7. True or false: an understanding of basic ecological processes is not a critical skill for
a natural resource manager.
(1)
[23]
QUESTION 8 The ecology of a changing world
8.1. Explain how the arid climate of Namibia, coupled with mismanagement (e.g.
overgrazing) of rangelands can lead to desertification and habitat loss.
(10)
8.2. Develop a brief plan on how you would control and manage inasive species in a
natural ecosystem.
(5)
[15]
Total: 150
End!
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