08 1G:33
ISSI
18
UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
MA (Islands and Small States Studies)
JUNK 2008 EXAMINATION SESSION
L'nit Code:
ISS 5012
Unit Title:
PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY OF ISLANDS
Date: Thursday 5th June 2008
Time: 1645 - 1815hrs
Answer two questions.
1.
Biodiversity has three components: species diversity, genetic diversity and ecosystem
diversity. It is generally held that to have a high diversity of each of these is 'a good
thing', both from the biotogical point of view and from the human point of view. Discuss.
2.
Succession takes place when either a pristine environment becomes available for
colonisation by life, or when a disturbance destroys a previously thriving ecosystem.
Discuss with reference to islands,
3.
Discuss the main ecological and evolutionary characteristics of island biotas that make
them somewhat different from mainland biotas.
^ 4.
How do island species tend to differ from their mainland ancestors once they become
established?
5.
Discuss the main threats facing island ecosystems worldwide.
P- I