UNIT 1 EXAM REVIEW
Biology I
September 2016
Review Sheet
Exam Composition
INBK Page Numbers
Section Topic
# of Test Questions
8-9
Data Tables & Graphs
2
15-21
Science & Engineering /
CER Model
2
22-25*
Introduction to Ecology
16
27-29
Population Dynamics
6
30-31*
Population Studies &
Demographics
4
32-35
Biodiversity
4
36-37
Factors Affecting
Biodiversity and
Populations
4
Remember This…
Criteria / Constraints (pg.17)
Criteria are the design features necessary to
solve a problem.
EX: My tower had to be free-standing and as
tall as possible.
Constraints are the materials and resources I
have available to me to solve my problem.
EX: I had 20 noodles, 1 meter of tape, etc.
Independent Variables / Dependent
Variables (pg. 8 and pg. 21)
The Independent variable is the “I Decide” variable in
an experiment. How long do you want to record data?
What temperatures do you want to test etc. This
variable is always plotted on the X axis of a graph.
EX: Hot and Cold water in the Alka-Seltzer lab
The Dependent variable is the one you have no control
over; you just sit back and watch. This variable is
always plotted on the Y axis of a graph.
EX: The amount of time it actually took for the AlkaSeltzer to dissolve in each water sample.
Identify the variables and the axes
Niche / Habitat (pg. 23)
A niche is very specific. Every species has a job to do in
its ecosystem. Sometimes we compare a niche to a
“job”.
EX: Yucca moths pollinate yucca trees.
A habitat is where that organisms lives. This would be
like its “address” in the ecosystem.
EX: Yucca moths live between the fronds and in the
trunks of yucca trees.
Logistical / Exponential Growth (pg. 2829)
Logistical Growth (S-Shaped) is displayed by a
population of organisms that reproduces and grows
in size until resources become more scarce. This is
more common. This is healthy.
EX: (See White Tail Deer graph on page. 28)
Exponential Growth (J-Shaped) is displayed by a
population of organisms that is growing in size
UNCHECKED. This is less common. This does not
go on forever. This can be unhealthy.
EX: Human Population
Limiting Factors / Carrying Capacity
(pg. 23)
Limiting factors are abiotic and biotic factors such
as food, water, space, shelter, and mates that slows
or restricts the growth (size) of a population when
they become scarce.
The carrying capacity of a population is determined
by the particular limiting factors of that ecosystem.
When a population reaches it’s carrying capacity,
you will see a plateau in its growth curve.
Density Dependent / Density
Independent (pg. 29)
These terms refer to types of Limiting Factors.
If a limiting factor is density dependent, (think food, water, disease, or
specie competition) it’s affect on a population of organisms will
depend on how many members of the population there are.
EX: The lack of food will affect a very dense population (already too
many individuals!) more intensely than it will a less dense
population.
If a limiting factor is density independent, (think natural disasters,
weather, climate, and pollution) chances of survival decline regardless
of how dense the population was in the first place.
EX: An earthquake will be equally destructive to a dense population
as a sparse population. The population’s original size DOESN’T
matter. There is still going to be a big hole in the ground!
Species Richness / Species Evenness
(pg. 33)
Species richness is the number of different species
in an ecosystem. A high species richness will result
in a more diverse ecosystem and a higher Simplified
Diversity Index value.
EX: A desert ecosystem may contain these species: (1) coyote, (2)
hare, (3) scorpion, (4) owl, (5) rattlesnakes, (6) cholla cactus (7) yucca
tree, (8) creosote bush, (9) barrel cactus, and (10) desert sage brush.
Species evenness is how many of each of these
species there are in that ecosystem.
EX: In our desert ecosystem there might be, 200 coyotes, 3000
hares, 4500 scorpions……
Population Density (pg.24-25) / Simplified
Diversity Index (pg. 33)
Population Density is the number of organisms
per unit area.
EX: # of people / Area (Length x Width)=Population Density
Simplified Diversity Index is the number or
variety of species in an ecosystem.
EX: Species Richness / Total # of organisms counted=Diversity Index
Utilitarian Value / Non-Utilitarian
Value (pg. 35)
For utilitarian value, think “U NEED”. In other
words, you NEED a variety of food and plants for
nutrition, fuel, and medicines.
For Non-Utilitarian Value, think “Live and Let
Live”. Creepy-crawlies have feelings too!
Why value the white rhino?
Levels of Organization
Demographic Transition Model