Unit 1

Question 1

What is biological diversity?

Answer 1

The term and a measure of the organisms found in a particular location, also known as a “natural area”

Question 2

How is biological diversity important?

Answer 2

It is overall a good indicator of health and it helps areas recover from stress. Therefore, healthier areas have more biodiversity than damaged areas.

Question 3

Describe the details surrounding early bio-diversity in Chicago?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What are the different discussed time periods in Unit 1?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

What are the details of the last Ice Age in Chicago?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Modern-day biodiversity in Chicago?

Answer 6

Urban Area v Agriculutre

10% of original prairie and wetlands exist, we still are a source of good biodiversity

Question 7

Generalize modern biodiversity

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Invasive Species

Answer 8

Non-indigenous species that destroy the area, usually brought in by humans, Ex: Garlic Mustard

Question 9

Natural Areas

Answer 9

Governed by the physical factors of temperature, moisture, nutrient availability soil composition, and pH.
DEFINED by vegetation and fauna

Question 10

Lake

Answer 10

A large body of still water

Question 11

Marsh

Answer 11

Marsh has grass-like plants, no trees, shallow water, some animals

Question 12

Swamp

Answer 12

Has lots of trees with standing water, maybe some grass

Question 13

Sand Dune

Answer 13

Only one of 8 areas with sand in Chicago

Question 14

Savanna

Answer 14

tall grass and trees

Question 15

Woodland

Answer 15

Lots and lots of tall trees

Question 16

Prarie

Answer 16

No trees, tall grass, some animals, ex: prairie dogs

Question 17

River

Answer 17

A vast length of running water

Question 18

Notes from Syllabus

Answer 18

• 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

Question 19

Point Breakdown

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Grade Breakdown

Answer 20

90-100 A, 87-89 A-, 84-86 B+, normal 0.5 rounding applies to final grade

Question 21

Make-Up Policies

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

Emergency

Answer 22

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.