Question 1

A survey of a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the DNA of a chimpanzee population discovered a polymorphism for the nucleotides C and G at a particular site in the DNA sequence. The following numbers of the different genotypes were seen: 11 C/C, 42 C/G, 64 G/G. What is the frequency of the C allele in this population? What are the expected numbers of chimps with each genotype? What is the heterozygosity (H) for this locus?

Question 2

Consider a grassland with four trophic levels: plants, grasshoppers, snakes, and raccoons. If you add bobcats into the grassland, how would plant biomass change? Is this a bottom-up or top-down model?

Question 3

Compare the results of Sousa's study (on the effects of boulder size on species diversity in an intertidal community) with Lubchenko's findings (on the effect of Littorina on algal species richness). Explain the mechanisms that can promote or inhibit species diversity in each case.

Question 4

Discuss these changes in Burundi (Africa) in terms of landscape ecology.

Question 5

Don't t like any of these questions? Ask one of your own, and then answer it. Note that your question should be substantive, just like your answer, and the question should be in a format that invites further discussion. Avoid questions like "Why are kittens cute?" or "Are sharks vicious?"