1. The growth rate, r, for a population of red-legged frogs was measured as 0.9 in 1999 and –0.1 in 2000. The population density of these frogs was 145 in 1999 and 1145 in 2000. Assuming that this population shows only density-dependent variation in its growth rate (i.e., no stochasticity), calculate the carrying capacity for this population.

2. How might modeling a population in VORTEX using the option for density-independent growth influence your conclusions if that population really shows density-dependent growth? How could you test this assumption for the population that you modeled?

3. What is sensitivity analysis? Why is it useful for conservation biologists?

4. How does genetic stochasticity contribute to variation in death rates?

5. Imagine that African elephants have had major outbreaks of the “elephant flu” in 1901 (the earliest year records were kept), 1933, 1968, and 2001. What is the yearly probability of this catastrophe occurring?

6. How are metapopulation concepts relevant to arguments regarding the conservation value of small habitat patches within which local populations are predicted to have a high probability of extinction?

7. Discuss the idea of a “Minimum Viable Metapopulation”.

8. What is the Species - Area relationship and why is it important in conservation biology?

9. What is SLOSS and why is this idea controversial?

10. Discuss the pros and cons of at least two of the four or more different techniques that could be used to control the population of deer in this area.  Which do you think is the best alternative?

11. What are some of the “ecosystem services” provided by intact natural ecosystems?

12. What is some of the evidence that productivity increases with species diversity? What are some of the criticisms of this evidence?

13. Use the peregrine falcon to illustrate the concept of source-sink dynamics and its relevance to conservation biology.

14. Distinguish generalists from specialists and use the fig-fig wasp example discussed in class to illustrate how one might conduct a PVA analysis for specialist species.

15. Use the example of big-blue butterflies to illustrate how indirect interactions can influence conservation strategies.

16. Distinguish keystone species from dominant species. What are some problems with applying keystone species concepts to conservation biology?

17. Are most invasive species successful in their new environments? Why or why not? Make sure you consider islands in your answer.

18. Is the interaction between fire ants and Phorid flies an example of an interaction chain or interaction modifier and why is this important when assessing the potential for Phorid flies to control fire ants?

19. Consider the three measure of diversity that we discussed in class.

20. How can we estimate species richness? What are the difficulties with estimating species richness?

21. Is biodiversity important? In your answer, consider both utilitarian and ecological perspectives.

22. What is the dilution effect? How does this integrate ecological and utilitarian perspectives regarding the value of biodiversity?

23. What is the “new” paradigm in ecology. Did Aldo Leopold hold this view? How has this paradigm shift influenced conservation strategies?

24. What is market failure? How is this concept relevant to conservation biology?

25. What is tragedy of the commons? How is this concept relevant to conservation biology?

26. How can we calculate the total economic value of nature?

27. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the ESA, hotspots / GAP analyses, and keystone species (e.g., the three C’s) approaches for biodiversity conservation?

28. Discuss the example of Greya moths to illustrate the geographic mosaic theory of evolution and its relevance to conservation strategies.

29. Do you expect that there will be significant conflict between biodiversity centers and human interests? Why or why not, and how might we mitigate potential future conflicts?

30. Explain the ETIB? Is this concept useful to conservation biology and why or why not.