Problem
I. Discuss the concept of trophic cascades and provide examples of how the removal or reintroduction of a top predator can affect entire ecosystems.
II. Explain the mechanisms and consequences of ocean acidification, including its impact on marine organisms, coral reefs, and shell-forming organisms.
III. Describe the ecological implications of climate change on species' phenology, including changes in timing of migration, breeding, and flowering, and the potential mismatch between species interactions.
IV. Discuss the concept of keystone species and their importance in maintaining ecosystem structure and function, providing examples from different ecosystems.
V. Explain the ecological effects and challenges associated with deforestation in tropical rainforests, including biodiversity loss, carbon emissions, and impacts on indigenous communities.
VI. Describe the concept of ecological succession and the different stages of primary and secondary succession, highlighting the factors that influence the rate and direction of succession.
VII. Discuss the ecological impacts and challenges of invasive animal species, considering their effects on native species, food webs, and ecosystem dynamics.
VIII. Explain the concept of ecological niche and discuss how resource partitioning and competitive exclusion shape species interactions and biodiversity patterns.
IX. Describe the role of wetlands in providing ecosystem services, including water purification, flood mitigation, and habitat provision, and discuss the importance of wetland conservation.
X. Discuss the ecological implications of plastic pollution in marine ecosystems, including its impact on marine organisms, food webs, and ecosystem health.