Sunset

Graduate Take-Home Exam

  1. Describe a realistic scenario in which three of the five "drivers" we discussed in class could interact with each other to impact ecosystem function. Within the context of a management goal in a particular ecosystem, describe how vegetation management could be used to mitigate for, or take advantage of, the altered function. [300 words or fewer; 10 points]
In-Class Exam

  1. List the five current "drivers" of the structure and function of southwestern ecosystems we discussed in class. [5 points] Select and list a single element of ecosystem structure, and describe how three of the "drivers" affect this element of ecosystem structure at the scale of an individual site. [6 points] Then describe how the three elements interact to affect the same element of ecosystem structure. [3 points]

  2. When discussing biological control (vs. mechanical, chemical, and cultural), we described two types of organisms that are rarely used in the western United States. List one of these. [1 point] Why is this kind of organism rarely used for controlling vegetation? [4 points]

  3. Select and briefly describe a specific type of vegetation. [1 point] State a reasonable management goal for this site. [1 point] Describe an appropriate combination of plant-control measures that may be used to meet this goal, for a planning horizon of one century. Your description of control measures should be quite specific. [7 points]

  4. Compare and contrast tall grass prairie and southern Arizona mesquite savanna with respect to the three requirements for fire spread. [6 points]

  5. Briefly describe the two paradigms that have dominated fire management in the United States. [4 points] What is the primary limitation on the application of both paradigms? [2 points]

  6. Which two government employees are responsible for the critical decisions regarding management of public lands (names or titles are acceptable)? This is answer requires rote memorization, but it reflects my belief that there are some things every natural resources student should know (including, for example, the dates of the most important pieces of environment legislation). [2 points]

  7. Briefly relate this statement, written by Richard Feynman, to an example from natural resource management: "For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public relations, for Nature cannot be fooled." [4 points]

  8. Is grazing in the southwestern United States economically viable? Is it ecologically viable? If so, based on what assumptions? In not, what are the primary constraints on economic and ecologic viability? [8 points]

  9. Matt Skroch, of the Sky Island Alliance, indicated that we should incorporate as many perspectives as possible when we consider conservation policies or actions. List six different perspectives regarding wilderness designation for the Tumacacori Highlands. [6 points]