Problem 1
What difference would it make if the southern sea otter (Core Case Study) became extinct primarily because of human activities? What are three things we could do to help prevent the extinction of this species?
Problem 2
Use the second law of thermodynamics (Chapter 2, p. 38) and the concept of food chains and food webs to explain why predators are generally less abundant than their prey.
Problem 3
How would you reply to someone who argues that we should not worry about the effects that human activities have on natural systems because ecological succession will repair whatever damage we do?
Problem 4
How would you reply to someone who contends that efforts to preserve species and ecosystems are not worthwhile because nature is largely unpredictable?
Problem 5
Explain why most species with a high capacity for population growth (such as bacteria, flies, and cockroaches) tend to have small individuals, while those with a low capacity for population growth (such as humans, elephants, and whales) tend to have large individuals.
Problem 6
What is the reproductive strategy of most species of insect pests and harmful bacteria? Why does this make it difficult for us to control their populations?
Problem 7
List two factors that may limit human population growth in the future. Do you think that we are close to reaching those limits? Explain.
Problem 8
If the human species were to suffer a population crash, what are three species that might move in to occupy part of our ecological niche?
