VI. Role-play

Choose one of the following situations to act out.

1. A lecturer is explaining to a group of students the interplay of many physical and chemical, or abiotic factors. The audience (which can be the whole class) will ask questions after a short (5 minutes) talk.

1. An audience (which can be the whole class) is asking the lecturer questions about the abiotic side of ecology.

3 Xwo young researchers are discussing the results of their experi­ments on testing zones of stress for different plants.

4. You are taking your examination in environmental science and answering questions about the Law of Limiting Factors.

4. A group of students is asking the teacher about Justus von Liebig and his observations regarding the effects of chemical nutrients on plant growth.

4. You are one of the environmentalists and are talking about a major concern of many environmentalists with your friend.

4. You are a cornucopian and are arguing that all our experience to date does not pose an environmental threat.

VII. For discussion and composition

Choose one of the following to discuss or write about.

1. What two "sides" are there in every ecosystem?

1. Describe abiotic factors.

1. Different species thrive under different conditions. How do you feel about it?

1. Compare an optimal range, the range and limits of tolerance, zones of stress.

1. Define a fundamental biological principle.

1. Discuss how different species differ with respect to the values at which the optimum and limits of tolerance occur.

1. What is the Law of Limiting Factors? How do you feel about it?

1. Describe Justus von Liebig's observations regarding the effects of chemical nutrients on plant growth.

1. Explain what we find in each environment.

10. Explain how every ecosystem is interconnected with others. 11 • Compare a major concern of many environmentalists and the con­clusion of cornucopians.