BIOSCI 395 (15/11/2021 09:00) Pacific Biogeography and Biodi (Exam)

Question 1

Either:

Describe the Flora of New Caledonia and its very high diversity relative to other land masses. You should include mention of the ancient vicariant element of plants on this island. You should also outline with examples the key role that the ultramafic surface has played as a center of plant evolution and diversity. Mention also the different types of plant community on the island and their different levels of diversity, endemism and their divergent sources from other land masses. Attempt an explanation as to why New Caledonia has much higher plant diversity than adjacent islands.

Or:

Describe the island of New Guinea in terms of its great species diversity and biogeographic relationships. Begin by outlining the altitudinal zonation of its forests from tropical lowlands to cool montane conditions. Then describe with examples the biogeographic relationships of New Guinea both in terms of its source status for the rest of tropical Oceania and of its relationship to adjacent Australia.

Question 2

Either:

The most important landscape scale disturbance in Australia is fire. Discuss this effect in terms of the two major strategies that plants show of seeding and sprouting and describe the balance of these strategies in terms of increasing aridity and fire intensity. Also describe the relationship between Eucalypt Woodland and Rainforest in terms of the influence of fire.

Or:

Australia was the first of the major landmasses to suffer extinction of its Megafauna in the late Pleistocene and it has also suffered the greatest losses. Discuss this event in terms of the two competing hypotheses – human hunting and climate change – that might explain it and refer to the key arguments used by the proponents of each hypothesis.

Question 3

Either:

Marine connectivity has a major impact on marine biogeographic patterns and processes. Describe how connectivity may be crucial to Pacific marine conservation management.

Or:

There are a number of marine biogeographic patterns visible in the Pacific. Describe in detail the variety of processes that have led to these different patterns, including reference to alternative hypotheses, dispersal abilities, and molecular analyses.

Question 4

Either:

Write an essay on the following:

(1) What is the Latitudinal Diversity Gradient (LDG)?

(2) Give a possible hypothesis for the LDG, explaining the basis of the hypothesis (i.e. why it could work as an explanation);

(3) Propose a way to test this hypothesis (i.e. data/analyses, and what you would expect to see if the hypothesis was true).

Or:

A famous biogeographical quote is “… explain New Zealand and the world falls into place around it.” (Nelson, 1975). How can interpretation of New Zealand biogeography influence the long-running "dispersal vs. vicariance" debate? (1 paragraph) Briefly give 3 specific examples (of taxa, events, or studies) and explain the role they can play in this larger debate (1 paragraph each).