Part I: REQUIRED QUESTIONS (answer all 4): 1. (a) How might one best define ecology today? (b) Please define the term environmental problem? (c) Briefly describe the relationship between the science of ecology and our understanding of environmental problems? 2. (a) Define cybernetic; (b) define homeostasis, (c) define homeorhesis; (d) discuss the relationships between cybernetic systems and homeostasis; (e) describe the significance of the cybernetic nature of ecological systems in light of the fact that they are complex adaptive systems. (f) Use an ecological example to describe how cybernetic/homeostatic systems function and remember to discuss the relationships between disturbance level and the establishment of reinforcing vs balancing feedback loops 3. Using examples from lectures, readings, or the course web site, DESCRIBE (IN DETAIL) 2 CASES in which HUMAN DISTURBANCES IN NATURAL SYSTEMS HAVE CAUSED POSITIVE FEEDBACK LOOPS TO BECOME ESTABLISHED. BE SURE TO DESCRIBE THE SYSTEM, THE FEEDBACK LOOPS, AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES FULLY. Use diagrams if you wish, but be sure to label the diagrams clearly. 4. Define trophic cascade and (b) provide detailed examples from 2 different ecosystems. Part II. 5. Describe, with examples, the 4 stage life cycle of a complex adaptive system. Looking for the best essay writer? Click below to have a customized paper written as per your requirements.
