Name: ______________________________________ Period: ____
Chapter 4 Guided Reading
Mr. Oliphant – AP Environmental Science
Directions: Answer the following questions to the best of your ability.
1. Summarize the theory of biological evolution. Be sure to use the concepts of
adaptation and natural selection in your summary.
2. What scientific evidence do we have that supports the theory of evolution?
3. Explain two misconceptions that people often have about evolution.
4. What is speciation? Distinguish between geographic isolation and reproductive isolation. Give an
example of each (other than those listed in the notes!).
Speciation:
Geographic Isolation example:
Reproductive Isolation example:
5. Distinguish between the concepts of background extinction and mass extinction.
6. How do we measure species diversity (there are two measurements)?
7. How does a species-rich ecosystem tend to be productive and sustainable?
8. Describe the “Theory of Island Biogeography” (one of the case studies in the book)
9. Define the following terms. Give an example of each.
Concept Term
Basic Definition
Role in Ecosystem
Ecological Niche
Generalist Species
Specialist Species
Native Species
Non-Native or
Invasive Species
Indicator Species
Keystone Species
Foundation Species
10. Give an example of a specialist species and a generalist species (other than those listed in the notes!)
11. Discuss the pros and cons of artificial selection and genetic engineering. Consider the possible
environmental impacts on resource use, pollution and environmental degradation.
12. Explain what could happen to the ecosystem where American alligators live if the alligators went extinct
(this is one of the case studies in the book). Name a plant species and an animal species that might be
seriously affected, and describe how each might respond to those changes in their environment.