Unit 1 Flashcards
What is biological diversity?
The term and a measure of the organisms found in a particular location, also known as a “natural area”
How is biological diversity important?
It is overall a good indicator of health and it helps areas recover from stress. Therefore, healthier areas have more biodiversity than damaged areas.
Describe the details surrounding early bio-diversity in Chicago?
Period: 410 MYA Silurian
Geo Location: Chicago was closer to the equator
Details: Land on the edge of the saltwater sea
Life: Sponges, corals, musks, etc
Soft-bodied animals
Evidence: Local limestone gives us evidence that Chicago was submerged under the sea, saltwater sea
What are the different discussed time periods in Unit 1?
Permian (286-245 MYA): Mass marine extinctions, constitutes 96% of species
Silurian (438-408 MYA): Plant invasion onto land, Chicago was saltwater sea
Cambrian (550-505 MYA): Cambrian explosion, most marine life went extinct
What are the details of the last Ice Age in Chicago?
Cenozoic period
this was when Chicago was in the Wisconsin glacier (18 KYA, 18,000 years ago)
- formed the landscape of our area, carved out the Great Lakes which make up 20% of the world’s freshwater
Modern-day biodiversity in Chicago?
Urban Area v Agriculutre
10% of original prairie and wetlands exist, we still are a source of good biodiversity
Generalize modern biodiversity
Diversity of habitats
Diversity of animals
A community is made up of living things, a community is an area where there are populations of different species occupying the same geographical area
Invasive Species
Non-indigenous species that destroy the area, usually brought in by humans, Ex: Garlic Mustard
Natural Areas
Governed by the physical factors of temperature, moisture, nutrient availability soil composition, and pH.
DEFINED by vegetation and fauna
Lake
A large body of still water
Marsh
Marsh has grass-like plants, no trees, shallow water, some animals
Swamp
Has lots of trees with standing water, maybe some grass
Sand Dune
Only one of 8 areas with sand in Chicago
Savanna
tall grass and trees
Woodland
Lots and lots of tall trees
Prarie
No trees, tall grass, some animals, ex: prairie dogs
River
A vast length of running water
Notes from Syllabus
- 11/5 (Midnight) Last day to withdraw without a penalty grade of “WF.”
- EMAIL: dhelfgott@luc.edu
- OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday and Thursday 2:30-3:30 or by appointment
- Office: LSB 331
- Cover legs and wear full-sleeves, also shoes that cover toes
- No food or water in lab
Point Breakdown
3 lab exams @ 60 points each 180 points
5 lab quizzes @ 12 points each 60 points
10 weekly lab assignments @ 6 points each 60 points
Grade Breakdown
90-100 A, 87-89 A-, 84-86 B+, normal 0.5 rounding applies to final grade
Make-Up Policies
Missed labs can be made up in the same week, permission needed from both profs
All missed exams, not quizzes, but exams, if given approval to make-up will take place at 10:00 AM on Wed, Dec 15.
Emergency
It is only the student’s responsibility to contact their instructor by email within 48 hours of their scheduled exam, to request permission to take a make-up exam. it is up to the prof if they will excuse the absence and allow for make-up.
