Bio. 324

Chemical Ecology

Final Exam

December 15, 1994

1. (24 points) Define briefly in the context of chemical ecology 12 of the following terms:

mevalonic acid

mellotoxin

mass communication

morphogen

myrosinase

mycetomes

monoterpene

methyl anthranilate

mymecochory

mycetangia

methyl eugenol

moth pollination

mixed colony

mimic

CHOOSE THREE OF THE NEXT FOUR QUESTIONS (2, 3, 4, or 5)

2. (24 points) While much discussion in chemical ecology is centered upon complex products of biosynthesis, mutualistic interactions often involve the movement or transport of simple elements. Describe the role of each element listed below in the mutualistic interaction described:

a. calcium/ reef-forming scleractinian corals and dinoflagellates

b. nitrogen/ legumes and nodule-forming Rhizobium bacteria

c. sulfur/ deep water Calyptogena elongata clams and chemoautotrophic bacteria

3. (24 points) Chemical signals change over time, at least in part due to temporal changes in trophic relationships among interacting species. Describe the patterns of change in chemical signals associated with

a. ripening fruits and frugivores

b. decaying carrion and detritivores

c. flowers and pollinators

4. (24 points) How can ecological theories be applied to facilitate screening of plant and animal extracts for novel natural pesticides?

5. (24 points) Pheromonal recognition of individuals is not limited to vertebrates, as was once believed. In what major group of invertebrates do pheromones mediate recognition of individuals? What types of pheromones are involved and how are individuals distinguished?

CHOOSE FOUR OF THE FOLLOWING FIVE QUESTIONS (6-10)

6. (26 points) Amino acids are important building blocks of primary metabolites (e.g., enzymes) but they are also important intermediaries in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Describe some of these amino acid derived secondary metabolites, their activities, and their function in

a) plants

b) animals

7. (26 points) Mimicry is often described as protective resemblance, designed to reduce predation, but there are many examples of chemical mimicry in which the resemblance is not "protective" at all. Describe two types of mimicry that appear to be offensive, rather than defensive, and provide information on the nature of the chemical signals involved in these systems.

8. (26 points) Visual signals in many kinds of interaction reinforce chemical signals. Compare the chemical nature and ecological function of visual signals in mutualistic interactions versus antagonistic interactions.

9. (26 points) The lives of ants are likely more profoundly affected by chemicals than are the lives of any other animal. Make an inventory of the activities undertaken by ants mediated by pheromones, allomones, kairomones, synomones, and apneumones.

10. (26 points) It has been said that humans are becoming increasingly more oblivious to chemical signals of ecological importance to their lives. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Provide examples to support your argument.