Sample Test Questions for Geog. 4371—Note that the material covered on this test represents only part of the material that will be covered on the first test in Fall 2004.

First Test

(40 points)

SHORT ESSAY QUESTIONS:

1. At approximately 7500 feet elevation in Boulder Canyon (and similar environments throughout the Southern Rockies) there is an obvious pattern of denser forests of Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine on north-facing slopes compared to relatively open stands of ponderosa pine on south-facing slopes. Use the concept of the operational environment to explain which abiotic factors are most likely to explain this pattern. Identify the factors which you believe are most “critical” and explain why. 5 pts.

2. What is meant by “ecosystem-based management” of forest resources and how does this concept relate to content of this course? In your answer consider both Kimmins’ perspective on what are the major advantages and disadvantages of the ecosystem concept in forest management, and the ideas about ecosystem management that were briefly presented in lecture. 5 pts.

VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Note: Where I ask for a list just give a list (not a discussion). Where I ask for a specific number of factors in a list, do not list extra factors. Only give explanations or discussions when the question specifically requests an explanation or discussion.

3. Do leaves grown in the shade or in full sunlight tend to have more layers of palisade cells? 0.5 pt.

4. Genetic tree improvement programs are aimed at improving forest productivity. How might they have a damaging influence on the sustainability of forest productivity? 0.5 pts

5. True or False: Clausen, Keck and Hiesey showed that variations in average heights of yarrow (Achillea) were plastic responses to environmental conditions along a transect from coastal California to near treeline in the Sierra Nevada. 0.5 pt.

Circle: True or False

6. From a perspective of forest management, why is not sufficient to preserve tree genetic diversity in seed banks or arboreta (plantations, gardens) instead of maintaining large ecological reserves to preserve genetic diversity? 0.5 pt.

7. True or False: The occurrence of a dwarf individual at alpine treeline and a tall tree at low elevation of the same species and same genotype is an example of phenological differences. 0.5 pt.

Circle: True or False

8. Distinguish between genotype and phenotype. 1 pt.

9. What is the difference between “succession” and “maintenance dynamics.” 1 pt.

10. What is the difference between a “shelterwood” and a “seed tree method” of silviculture. 1 pt.

11. In an area of dense forest, are night-time temperatures likely to reach lower minima beneath the closed canopy or beneath a 20-meter diameter gap created by a treefall? 0.5 pt.

12. Define “symbiont” in the context of the concept of the operational environment 1 pt.

13. Define "ecotype" and list the five key aspects of the ecotype concept. 3 pts.

14. List 4 factors that may account for the midday dip in net photosynthesis observed in trees on clear days. 2 pts.

15. Is “topography” a factor of the plant’s “operational environment?” Explain. 1 pts.

16. What is the difference between the holocoenotic concept of the environment and the concepts of “site” and “habitat” used in forest ecology? 1 pts.

17. Define “competition” in the context of the Operational Environment. In other words, in relation to the Operational Environment how is competition defined? Give only one definition. 1 pts.

18. Under what circumstances might clearcutting be more appropriate than a “single-tree selection” method of silviculture. 1 pt.

19. Are leaves oriented so that they are parallel to the ground surface (on a flat site) more likely to be sun leaves or shade leaves. 0.5 pt.

20. Under low light levels, are tree seedlings likely to have higher or lower shoot/root ratios. 0.5 pt.

21. List the four edaphic factors of the operational environment. 2 pts.

22. Distinguish between "short-day plants" and "long-day plants" 1 pt.

23. In the context of the concept of the operational environment, where do fungi fit? In other words, under which direct factor or factors of the operational environment would you consider the influences of fungi on plants? Explain. 1 pt.

24. Is a shade leaf of an angiosperm tree likely to have a smaller or larger ratio of surface area to weight than a sun leaf of the same species. 0.5 pt.

25. True or False: In a physognomic classification of vegetation, the vegetation is classified primarily by floristic composition (i.e. the list of species present)? 0.5 pt.

Circle: True or False

26. Define photoperiodism. 0.5 pt.

27. As atmospheric carbon dioxide decreases, does net photosynthesis tend to increase or decrease? 0.5 pt.

28. Why is it important that foresters exercise strict controls on the planting of different photoperiodic ecotypes? 0.5 pt.

29. In the spring in a mid-latitude climate, which kind of soil texture is likely to thaw first: a sandy soil or a clay soil? 0.5 pt.

30. True or False: As long as abundant carbon dioxide is present, availability of moisture will not influence the photosynthetic rate of a tree? 0.5 pt.

Circle: True or False

31. List 4 adaptations of some trees to avoid direct heat injury. 2 pts.

33. Define compensation point as applied to the growth of tree seedlings. 0.5 pt.

34. Identify the factor of the operational environment which explains why potatoes do not grow well at low elevations in wet-equatorial climates. How do unfavorable levels or intensities of this environmental factor prevent potatoes from growing in this environment? 1 pt.

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35. In the context of tree autecology, what is the “stratification” of seed? 0.5 pt.

36. True or False: The deciduous habit of trees is an adaptation to avoid direct cold injury and is not related to moisture availability. 0.5 pt.

Circle: True or False