SCI 100 Final Cheat Sheet (DRAFT) by cheriesemartinni

Clarity
Defini­tion: Clear and unders­tan­dable reasoning.
Example: Define terms like “biodi­ver­sity” or “susta­ina­bil­ity.”
Tip: Ask, “Could you elabor­ate?”

Accuracy
Defini­tion: Inform­ation that is true and free from errors.
Example: Cross-­check data against peer-r­eviewed sources.
Tip: Use credible refere­nces.

Relevance
Defini­tion: Relating to the main topic or issue.
Example: Focus on factors directly affecting a species, like habitat loss.
Tip: Ask, “How does this connect?”

Precision
Defini­tion: Specific details and measur­ements.
Example: Specify "­pop­ulation decline by 40%" instead of "many animals are endang­ere­d."
Tip: Provide statistics or examples.

Depth
Defini­tion: Addressing comple­xities and underlying issues.
Example: Discuss systemic causes, not just surface symptoms.
Tip: Ask, “What are the root causes?”

Breadth
Defini­tion: Consid­ering multiple perspe­ctives.
Example: Evaluate economic, ecolog­ical, and cultural aspects of conser­vation.
Tip: Explore all stakeh­olders’ viewpo­ints.

Logic
Defini­tion: Reasoning that makes sense.
Example: Ensure conclu­sions follow from evidence.
Tip: Check for contra­dic­tions.

Fairness
Defini­tion: Avoiding bias or favori­tism.
Example: Present unbiased data about stakeh­olders' impact.
Tip: Ask, “Am I being object­ive?”

Strawman
Misrep­res­enting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack.
Example: “They only care about money, not wildlife.”
Solution: Address the real argument.

Ad Hominem
Attacking the person instead of the argument.
Example: “They’re not an expert, so their opinion is invalid.”
Solution: Focus on evidence.

Appeal to Emotion
Using fear, pity, or anger to sway opinion.
Example: “If we don’t act now, everything will be lost tomorrow!”
Solution: Rely on data and logic.

False Dichotomy
Presenting two choices as the only options.
Example: “It’s either develo­pment or conser­vat­ion.”
Solution: Explore altern­atives.

Circular Reasoning
Repeating the conclusion as evidence.
Example: “It’s bad because it’s wrong.”
Solution: Provide external justif­ica­tion.

Hasty Genera­liz­ation
Drawing conclu­sions from insuff­icient evidence.
Example: “This species declined in one area, so all popula­tions are at risk.”
Solution: Collect compre­hensive data.

Key Concepts
1. Ecosystem Management
- Goal: Maintain biodiv­ersity, ecosystem function, and resili­ence.
- Approach: Adaptive manage­men­t—a­djust practices based on outcomes.

2. Habitat Conser­vation
- Critical habitat: Areas essential for species survival.
- Restor­ation: Rehabi­litate degraded habitats to support species.

3. Population Dynamics
- Carrying Capacity (K): Maximum population size an enviro­nment can sustain.
- Expone­ntial Growth: Population grows without constr­aints (J-curve).
- Logistic Growth: Population stabilizes at carrying capacity (S-curve).

Legisl­ation and Policy
1. Endangered Species Act (ESA)
- Purpose: Protect species at risk of extinction and their habitats.
- Catego­ries: Threatened vs. Endang­ered.

2. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)
- Protects all marine mammals in U.S. waters.
- Prohibits harass­ment, hunting, or capturing.

3. CITES (Conve­ntion on Intern­ational Trade in Endangered Species)
- Regulates trade of species to prevent overex­plo­ita­tion.
- Append­ices:
- I: Prohibited trade.
- II: Regulated trade.
- III: Species protected in specific countries.

Field and Research Methods
1. Mark-R­eca­pture
- Estimates population size using captured and re-rel­eased indivi­duals.
- Formula: \( N = \frac{­MC}{R} \), where
- \( M \): Marked indivi­duals,
- \( C \): Total captured in the second sample,
- \( R \): Recaptured marked indivi­duals.

2. Transect Sampling
- Measure biodiv­ersity or population density along a fixed line.

3. Telemetry
- Track animal movements using GPS or radio signals.

Ecological Principles
1. Trophic Levels
- Producers → Primary Consumers → Secondary Consumers → Tertiary Consumers.

2. Keystone Species
- Species with signif­icant influence on ecosystem structure.

3. Edge Effects
- Changes in population or ecosystem at habitat bounda­ries.

Threats to Wildlife and Fisheries
1. Habitat Loss
- Causes: Urbani­zation, agricu­lture, defore­sta­tion.
- Mitiga­tion: Habitat corridors, protected areas.

2. Invasive Species
- Example: Zebra mussels outcom­peting native aquatic species.

3. Climate Change
- Impacts: Range shifts, altered breeding patterns.

4. Overfi­shing
- Solutions: Quotas, marine protected areas (MPAs).

Case Study Framework
1. Identify the species or ecosystem under study.

2. Outline the primary threat (e.g., habitat loss, pollut­ion).

3. Highlight conser­vation strategies or policies applied.

4. Discuss outcomes or ongoing challe­nges.

Critical Thinking Standards
1. Clarity: Be clear about terms and objectives in research and policy.
- Example: Define "­habitat fragme­nta­tio­n" explic­itly.

2. Accuracy: Ensure data and results are error-free and reliable.
- Example: Use peer-r­eviewed studies for evidence.

3. Relevance: Only include inform­ation directly related to your research question.

4. Precision: Provide detailed and specific measur­ements or observ­ations.
- Example: Report species population declines in percen­tages or absolute numbers.

Logical Fallacies to Avoid
1. Strawman: Misrep­res­enting opposing viewpoints to make them easier to disprove.

2. Appeal to Emotion: Using fear or pity instead of logical reasoning.

3. Hasty Genera­liz­ation: Drawing conclu­sions from too small a sample.

4. False Dichotomy: Presenting an issue as "­eit­her­/or­" when there are more options.

Ecological Concepts
1. Keystone Species
- Defini­tion: Species with a dispro­por­tionate effect on their ecosystem.
- Example: Wolves in Yellow­stone Park regulate prey popula­tions and influence plant growth.

2. Trophic Cascades
- Defini­tion: Ecological changes caused by predat­or-prey intera­ctions across trophic levels.

3. Biodiv­ersity
- Measures: Species richness, genetic diversity.
- Import­ance: Ensures ecosystem resilience and produc­tivity.

Conser­vation Strategies
1. Protected Areas
- Examples: National parks, wildlife reserves.
- Goals: Preserve habitats and reduce human impacts.

2. Restor­ation Ecology
- Actions: Replanting native vegeta­tion, removing invasive species.

3. Legisl­ation
- Examples: Endangered Species Act (ESA), CITES.
- Purpose: Protect species at risk from extinc­tion.

Field Methods and Tools
1. Camera Traps: Non-in­vasive method for monitoring wildlife.

2. Transect Sampling: Systematic survey method to estimate species density.

3. GIS Mapping: Spatial analysis for habitat and species distri­bution.