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Biol 405:Applied Ecology Question Paper

Biol 405:Applied Ecology

Course:Applied Biology

Institution: Kenya Methodist University question papers

Exam Year:2011

KENYA METHODIST UNIVERSITY

END OF 3''RD ''TRIMESTER 2011 EXAMINATIONS
FACULTY : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT : PURE & APPLIED SCIENCES
UNIT CODE : BIOL 405
UNIT TITLE : APPLIED ECOLOGY
TIME : 2 HOURS

INSTRUCTIONS:

In section A - Answer ALL the questions
In section B - Answer question 4 and any OTHER question

SECTION A: 30 Marks

Question One

Define following terms as used in ecological studies. (5 marks)
Wildlife management
Conservation
Biological magnification
Population intensity
Rangeland

With examples, describe the kind of population dispersion one would expect if:
The occurrence of some individuals is enhanced by others.

(1.5 Marks)

The occurrence of an individual hinders that of another nearby

(1.5 Marks)
(c) State two major kinds of methods are used in describing spatial distribution and to measure departure from randomness. (2 Marks)

Question Two

State three disadvantages of using importance value an overall estimate of the influence or importance of plant species in the community.
Marks)
The accuracy of the point-quarter method is sensitive to departures from a

random distribution of individuals, especially if only small numbers of individuals are counted. Giving reasons, state two types of population in which point-quarter method should not be used. (3 Marks)

A population has a mean of 1.2 and a variance of 0.90.

i. Calculate the variance-mean ratio and indicate the kind of distribution likely to be exhibited by this population (2 Marks)

What is the weakness of using variance-mean ratio as a measure of aggregation and give a possible solution to the weakness

(2 Mark)

Question Three

Describe any three causes of land degradation.

(3 Marks)

Highlight four Characteristics that you employ to identify degraded forest

Lands. (4 Marks)

Distinguish between unsuitable land use and inappropriate land management practices and give an example in each.

(3 Marks)

SECTION B (30 MARKS)

Question Four

(a) Using the set of data shown in the table below: number in plot x and observed frequency f(x) and the expected frequency F(x) expected from Poisson distribution with a mean (µ) of 1.2 individuals per plot. Using Chi-goodness of fit test whether the population distribution is random or not.

(5 Marks)
Observed Expected
Number in Plot X Frequency f(x) Frequency F(x)
:0 27 30.1
:1 39 36.1
:2 22 21.7
:3 11 8.7
:4
1
3.4

µ = 1.2, n=100; critical values of chi-square is also provided

(b) Explain five major ways employed in Ways of Management of National
Parks. (15 Marks)

Question Five

Lake Victoria and Lake Naivasha are among the important freshwater aquatic ecosystems in the East African region and are presently under intensive threat.

Discuss the nature and causes of the problems facing these freshwater aquatic ecosystems.

(10 Marks)

(b) Explain the possible management of conservation measures being put in place to help alleviate the problems? (10 Marks)

Question Six

Discuss the major natural hazards or environmental conditions in the region, which act as predisposing factors for land degradation.

(10 Marks)

Explain five effects of loss of soil fertility due to soil erosion.

(10 marks)

Biol 405:Applied Ecology Question Paper

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