RS 478 exqm 3
Briefly describe three reasons why genetic variation in coral populations is important for restoration of coral reefs.
Adaptation to environmental stressors: Genetic variation allows for adaptation to changing environmental conditions, such as changes in temperature, salinity, or acidity. Disease resistance: Genetic diversity within a population can increase the likelihood that at least some individuals will have resistance to diseases that may impact coral populations. Overall health and resilience: Genetic diversity within a population can improve overall health and resilience of the population, making it better able to withstand environmental stressors and recover from disturbances such as bleaching events or storms.
Describe the differences between bioengineering and biotechnical engineering and provide an example of each
Bioengineering primarily involves the use of live plant material to achieve these objectives. This can include the use of grasses, shrubs, and trees to stabilize soils, reduce erosion, and promote vegetative cover. Bioengineering also includes the use of natural materials such as brush layers, fascines, and live stakes to stabilize slopes and control erosion. An example of bioengineering would be the use of willow stakes and brush layers to stabilize stream banks. Biotechnical engineering, on the other hand, combines the use of live plants with inert structural materials such as rocks, logs, and gabions to achieve the same objectives. This approach is often used in situations where slopes are too steep or unstable to rely on live plant material alone. An example of biotechnical engineering would be the use of vegetated gabions, which are wire baskets filled with rocks and planted with live vegetation to stabilize slopes and reduce erosion.
What might occur if you fail to calibrate a seed drill properly?
Failing to calibrate a seed drill properly can lead to uneven seed distribution, resulting in areas with low or no seed density or areas with excess seed density. This can cause patchy and uneven plant growth, reduced plant vigor, and ultimately lead to a failed restoration project.
Explain why we might choose to use cuttings for revegetation instead of sowing seeds
Faster establishment, genetic similarity, site-specific adaptations
According to Smith (2017), what are the four tradeoffs that must be considered when selecting a seed acquisition method, and which aspects do site specific wild collection and regional wild collection maximize?
Genetic diversity and adaptation to the site. Production capacity and scalability. Cost and availability. Time and urgency. Site-specific wild collection and regional wild collection maximize genetic diversity and adaptation to the site because the collected seeds are specifically adapted to the local environment and represent the genetic diversity of the site
How can green roofs increase urban biodiversity?
Green roofs can increase urban biodiversity by providing habitat and resources for a variety of species, including insects, birds, and plants. The plants used in green roofs can attract pollinators and other beneficial insects, while the soil and substrate can support a variety of soil-dwelling organisms
In a restoration setting, what advantages does a seed drill specially designed for rangeland have over an agricultural seed drill intended for crop seeds?
Improved seed placement, Reduced soil disturbance, Better adaptability, Reduced risk of seed loss, Reduced seed waste
When restoring an area with the intent of increasing and supporting native bee populations, is it ok to have bare, exposed ground as opposed to full coverage of forbs and grasses? Why or why not?
It is generally not recommended to have bare, exposed ground in a restored area intended to support native bee populations. This is because many native bee species require nesting sites in the soil, and bare ground can be detrimental to their survival. Furthermore, exposed soil can lead to erosion and nutrient loss, which can have negative impacts on the overall health of the restored area.
You are restoring a site using a seed drill, but you have some very small seed that needs to be planted, such as sagebrush, why can't this seed be run through the drill normally? What are two options for seeding this species properly
One option for seeding sagebrush properly is to mix the seed with an inert material, such as fine sand, to increase the bulk density of the seed mixture, which makes it easier to distribute the seed evenly. Another option is to use a specialized drill designed for seeding small seeds, such as a cone or air seeder, which can handle these tiny seeds without causing them to clump or float away.
Describe a reason that Wildland Restoration Volunteers chooses to seek out volunteers to accomplish ecological restoration instead of hiring full time staff to complete projects
One reason that Wildland Restoration Volunteers may choose to seek out volunteers to accomplish ecological restoration instead of hiring full-time staff is that it can be more cost-effective. Hiring and maintaining full-time staff can be expensive, whereas volunteers may be willing to work for free or for a lower cost. Additionally, volunteers can bring a variety of skills and experiences to the project that may not be found in a single full-time employee. Finally, involving volunteers in ecological restoration projects can help to build a sense of community and encourage stewardship of the land.
Describe prescriptive vs. outcome-based regulations. What are some benefits of both as discussed in class? Which one is ultimately better for more robust restoration practices and why?
Prescriptive - "these are the methods you must use". certain min requirments are met and provide a clear guide Outcome based - "these are the conditions that you must achieve". encoungarge innovation and adaptable Ultimately, outcome-based regulations are better for more robust restoration practices. This is because ecological restoration is a complex and dynamic process that requires flexibility and adaptability. Outcomes can be difficult to predict, and it is often necessary to adjust strategies in response to new information or changing conditions
Explain the use of primary and secondary tillage in a restoration site. What benefit does each provide on a project?
Primary tillage is the initial soil preparation process and involves deep cultivation of the soil. It is typically used to break up compacted soil layers and to incorporate amendments, such as compost or organic matter, into the soil. The benefits of primary tillage include improved soil structure and aeration, better water infiltration, and increased root penetration Secondary tillage is a follow-up to primary tillage. It is used to create a seedbed that is fine, even, and free of clods. The benefits of secondary tillage include creating a seedbed that is optimal for seed germination and plant growth
Seed source A of big sagebrush contains 1,000,000 PLS per lb and seed source B of big sagebrush contains 500,000 PLS per lb. Seed sources A and B both cost $100 per PLS lb. Which seed source would you purchase for your sagebrush steppe restoration site? Why?
Seed source A: $100 / 1,000,000 PLS per lb = $0.0001 per PLS seed Seed source B: $100 / 500,000 PLS per lb = $0.0002 per PLS seed Therefore, seed source A is the better choice since it has a lower cost per PLS seed, and it contains twice as many PLS seeds per pound compared to seed source B. This means that purchasing seed source A will give more PLS seed per dollar spent, and it will also require less storage space and less planting time as fewer seeds
Why is the depth to water belowground a major concern with using container plantings?
The depth to water belowground is a major concern with using container plantings because it affects the ability of plant roots to access water. could lead to drought or root rot
Bainbridge (2007) explained that when attempting to de-compact soil, ripping is most effective on: a) Compacted soils with poor structure b) Sandy sites c) Eroded sites d) Sites occupied by invasive species e) Sites that have been seeded heavily
a) Compacted soils with poor structure
Green roofs are a(n) ____________, and therefore restorationists cannot expect that they will function exactly like a natural landscape. a) Engineered landscape b) Historical reference site c) Disturbed landscape d) Cool landscape e) Industrial landscape
a) Engineered landscape
The main approach that Coral Restoration Foundation uses for coral restoration is: a) In situ production of coral in offshore nurseries to use as transplants on restoration sites b) Genetic engineering of super corals that can withstand climate change c) Transplanting coral from reference sites to restoration sites using volunteers d) Seeding coral polyps from airplanes e) Growing coral in aquariums in elementary schools, restaurants, and bars
a) In situ production of coral in offshore nurseries to use as transplants on restoration sites
When is the best time to collect hardwood cuttings? a) In the cold, dormant season b) In the beginning of the growing season c) At the end of the growing season d) At the time when the growth rate is highest e) During a global pandemic
a) In the cold, dormant season
) What is the advantage of using de-bearded and de-awned seed in a seed drill? a) It allows you to use the cool season box which meters seed better than the "fluffy seed" box b) De-bearded and de-awned seed is less expensive. c) Beards and awns can contain lice d) A and B e) None of the above
a) It allows you to use the cool season box which meters seed better than the "fluffy seed" box
What is a characteristic of an extensive green roof? a) Lightweight b) Deep substrate c) More like raised beds d) Diverse e) None of the above
a) Lightweight
What is the primary way that we can maximize the presence of pollinators on a restoration site? a) Plant species that will produce high floral diversity b) Reduce human foot traffic in the area c) Build beehives d) Exclude shrubs and trees e) Make sure there is no bare soil on the restoration site
a) Plant species that will produce high floral diversity
According to Bainbridge (2007), Propagating trees and shrubs using live cuttings is most effective for: a) Riparian species such as cottonwood and willow b) Desert species c) Remote locations d) Non-irrigated sites e) Roadside, pipeline, and other construction sites
a) Riparian species such as cottonwood and willow
What is a disadvantage of using grasses in bioengineering? a) Shallow roots b) Slow to establish c) Slow growing d) Limited to transplants e) Expensive seed
a) Shallow roots
Which of the following is a common barrier to hard rock mine reclamation in Colorado? a) Short growing season and toxic levels of metals b) Aircraft cannot easily access the site for revegetation and mulching purposes c) There is large debate about the best era for this music genre resulting in a lack of consensus d) Growing seasons are long and dry, leading to a lack of seed establishment e) Pinyon/Juniper forests dominate these reclamation sites
a) Short growing season and toxic levels of metals
What is the advantage to planting vegetation that already has deep roots on restoration sites? a) The longer roots allow for increased likelihood of establishment success due to increased water access b) The plants look nicer on the restoration site since they have grown larger than a typical transplant c) They reduce soil infiltration, therefore reducing erosion d) Deep roots means that restorationists can plant less individuals since there is more biomass per plant e) Larger plants with deep roots are less susceptible to herbivory
a) The longer roots allow for increased likelihood of establishment success due to increased water access
Which set of traits describes grasses for use in bioengineering? a) a. Quick to establish, deep rooted b) b. Slow to establish, deep rooted c) c. Seed expensive, slow growing d) d. Quick to establish, shallow rooted e) e. High cover, slow growing
a) a. Quick to establish, deep rooted
Which is the proper formula for calculating Percent Live Seed? a) %PLS=(Weight * %Purity)/100 b) %PLS=(%Germ *%Purity)/100 c) %Purity=(100 - %Trash) d) %Germ=(%Seed/ Unit weight) e) %PLS= (%Germ -%Weed seed)/100
b) %PLS=(%Germ * %Purity)/100
Consider 100 kg bag of grass seed that has 99% PLS and a germination rate of 90%. What is the expected field emergence of the seed? a) 100% b) 89.1% c) 50% d) 0% e) none of the above
b) 89.1%
A plant grown from vegetative propagation is______ a) A genetically unique individual b) A clone c) A hybrid d) Better than the parent plant e) Never as good as the parent plant
b) A clone
To boost the bulk of clean seed (so it does not come out of the drill too fast), what type of material should you combine with the seed? a) Water b) An inert carrier material (e.g., cat litter, cracked corn or rice hulls) c) Medium sized rocks d) Weed seeds e) Top soil
b) An inert carrier material (e.g., cat litter, cracked corn or rice hulls)
In the US, what is regarded as the national reclamation standard? a) Copper mine reclamation b) Coal mine reclamation c) Hard rock mine reclamation d) Oil and gas reclamation e) None of the above
b) Coal mine reclamation
While some exotic invasive plant species are utilized by pollinators, overall, exotic invasive plants lack ___________ with native insects. Potentially contributing to the decline in insect populations. a) Parasitism b) Evolutionary history c) Functionality d) Commensalism e) Strong root systems
b) Evolutionary history
Smith 2017, Hoag et al 20021) Seeding rates can be calculated from ____________ for each species and the desired number of plants perunit area of each species.a) The chart in your textbookb) Expected field emergencec) Educated guess based on the reference sited) You usually do not calculate seeding ratese) The seed company will provide this information for you
b) Expected field emergence.
What group or regulatory act generally regulates the reclamation of disturbed areas? a) The Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 b) Federal agencies such as the USFS or the BLM c) Local Governments d) The Clean Water and Clean Air acts e) All of the above regulate reclamation activities
b) Federal agencies such as the USFS or the BLM
13) With a rangeland seed drill, seeds that still have awns, beards, and other appendages would be best planted using the: a) Cool season box b) Fluffy Seed Box c) Small Seed box d) A combination of multiple boxes e) None of the above
b) Fluffy Seed Box
Bottom heat refers to: a) A certain chemical complex in some rooting mediums b) Heat applied to the below-soil portion of cuttings to promote rooting c) A transplant that is mis-planted with its roots above ground d) A fungal infection of plants often acquired in greenhouses e) A transplant plant being left in one spot for too long
b) Heat applied to the below-soil portion of cuttings to promote rooting
9) When should you calibrate your seed drill? a) At the restoration site the day of your seeding b) Ideally the day before seeding c) The year before your seeding on the day you plan to seed the next year d) A week before--then leave your seed in the drill's seed box e) The drill should arrive from the manufacturer calibrated
b) Ideally the day before seeding
Where would you build a check dam? a) In a flat agricultural field b) In a gully c) On the bank of a riparian area d) At the very top of a hill e) In a stream
b) In a gully
What equipment could be used for removing woody vegetation with long taproots? a) Seedbed finisher b) Root plow c) Taproot rake d) Moldboard plow e) Chisel plow
b) Root plow
Which of the following would be the best plant to use with the "Brush Layering" technique in a riparian corridor in Colorado? a) Blue grama b) Willows c) Tamarisk d) Cheat grass e) Rabbit brush
b) Willows
Planting bunch grasses in some areas of pollinator habitat restoration in the Midwest is important because: a) Bunch grass seed is cheaper b) Bunch grasses are an important nectar source for bees c) Bunch grasses result in areas of open soil that provides important nesting sites for some pollinators d) Bunch grasses provide places for snakes to hide e) Bunch grasses reduce fire intensity
c) Bunch grasses result in areas of open soil that provides important nesting sites for some pollinators
According to Bainbridge (2007), Land Imprinting is a technique to improve water infiltration. This consists of__________ a) Ripping compacted soil b) Digging large pits c) Creating a pattern of depressions in the soil d) Removing roots e) Creating shrub-islands
c) Creating a pattern of depressions in the soil
What piece of equipment should be used after applying straw mulch to a site? a) Moldboard plow b) Rotary spreader c) Crimper d) Imprinter e) Straw finisher
c) Crimper
Root cuttings are best if collected in _____________. a) Late spring b) Early spring c) Dormant season d) Flu season e) c and d
c) Dormant season
According to the SER webinar on overcoming pollinator restoration challenges, which one is not one of the four restoration principles? a) Select optimal sites b) Restore diverse habitats c) Garner support d) Focus on productive native plants e) Pollinator-friendly habitat management
c) Garner support
Smith (2017) proposes five common seed acquisition methods, which of the following is not one of those methods? a) Site-specific wild collection b) Cultivar production c) Laboratory created seed production d) Regional seed increase e) Site-specific seed increase
c) Laboratory created seed production
What piece of legislature was passed in order to regulate permitting, bonding and inspection in the coal industry? a) The National Environmental Protection Act b) The General Mining Act c) The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act d) The Fossil Fuel Reclamation Act e) The US Treaty of Restored Lands
c) The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
11) Why shouldn't large seed be loaded into the small seed box of the seed drill? a) The feed wheels will damage the seed b) The drill will meter out too much seed c) The drill won't meter out enough seed d) The seed tubes will clog e) Not enough seed can be loaded into the small seed box
c) The drill won't meter out enough seed
According to Kees 2006, why is adding weight to the disk arms of a seed drill important? a) To help the disk dig b) To maintain ground contact c) To reduce bouncing d) A and B e) All of the above
d) A and B
What is the best way to sow extremely small seed such as sagebrush? a) Mix into fluffy seed box b) Broadcast seeding c) Add inert material to increase bulk d) Add to seed mix in the "grain" box e) None of the above
d) Add to seed mix in the "grain" box
Which of the following are some ecosystem services that corals provide? a) Shoreline protection b) Aesthetic value c) Fish habitat d) All of the above e) A and C only
d) All of the above
Wildland Restoration Volunteers provide skills training to volunteers including _____ a) Chainsaw certification b) Fire restoration c) Crosscut saw certification d) All of the above e) None of the above
d) All of the above
What type of competition should we be concerned with when determining seed mix species compositionand seeding rates ?a) Intraspecificb) Interspecificc) Extraspecificd) Both a and be) None of the above
d) Both a and b.
Intensive green roofs have ________ substrate, whereas extensive green roofs have _________ substrate a) Native, man-made b) Complex, simple c) Sandy, loamy d) Deep (>6"), shallow (<6") e) Rocky, loamy
d) Deep (>6"), shallow (<6")
One concern when relying on irrigation to establish plants in a restoration project is__________. a) Irrigation can flood the soil b) Irrigation gives plants too much water c) Irrigation can increase evaporation d) Irrigation can make for weak plants prone to future drought stress e) Irrigation causes damage
d) Irrigation can make for weak plants prone to future drought stress
Which of the following is NOT a method for improving water status in arid environments? a) Ripping soil on the contour b) Surface roughening c) Soil pitting/land imprinting d) Ripping soil against the contour e) These are all methods for improving water status in arid environments
d) Ripping soil against the contour
When designing a plant mix for pollinators, which of the following is not a primary concern when selecting plants? a) Phenology b) Height c) Larval host plants d) Seed size e) Flower Color
d) Seed size
When using chains to create basins or depressions to collect rainfall, you must ensure which of the following to achieve your desired results? a) Rust is removed from the chain b) Oil is applied to the chain c) Woody debris is removed from the site before use d) The chain must rotate e) Chains should not be used in this manner
d) The chain must rotate
Biotechnical engineering differs from bioengineering in what way? a) Use of animals vs plants b) Use of chemical treatment c) Human intervention d) Use of inert structures in combination with vegetation e) Use of robotic machines
d) Use of inert structures in combination with vegetation
Why is it important to consider a broad range of plants for a pollinator restoration planting design?
different pollinator species have different requirements for their survival and reproduction. By including a diverse range of plants, with different flowering times, colors, and shapes, restorationists can create a habitat that supports a variety of pollinators throughout the growing season
Green roofs can be designed to ________. a) Conserve rare or endangered species b) Designed as specialized habitat for specific species c) Minimize predation and invasives d) Lower foot traffic and human disturbance e) All of the above
e) All of the above
Methods of oil and gas reclamation may include _________. a) Topsoil replacement b) Highly diverse habitats c) Recontouring d) Variable regulations e) All of the above
e) All of the above
Scaling up in coral restoration involves: a) Increasing output in nursery operation b) Increasing efficiency in restoration practices c) Innovation d) Supporting a community of practice e) All of the above
e) All of the above
What makes natural gas mining regulation and restoration difficult? a) It is relatively new compared to coal b) There are politics involved c) Long operation time d) Different habitat types e) All of the above
e) All of the above
When using equipment on a restoration site, you should consider a) Cost b) Feasibility c) Availability d) Operator error e) All of the above
e) All of the above
Which of the following are engineering properties of vegetation? a) Evapotranspiration b) Infiltration c) Soil reinforcement d) Soil aggregation e) All of the above
e) All of the above
Which of the following is a possible method of herbaceous plant propagation? a) Stem cutting b) Leaf cutting c) Mid-rib cutting d) Leaf-petiole cutting e) All of the above
e) All of the above
Which technique is an example of biotechnical engineering? a) Vegetative cribwalls b) Live slope grating c) Branch layering d) Vegetated gabion e) All of the above
e) All of the above
Types of cuttings that can be used to propagate plants for restoration include: a) Shelf b) Leaf c) Sharp d) Root e) B and D
e) B and D
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of deep pipe irrigation systems according to Bainbridge (2007)? a) High water efficiency b) Greater root spread and volume compared to conventional or surface drip irrigation c) Better survival rates after irrigation is terminated d) Simplicity of setup and use e) Improved aeration of surface soil
e) Improved aeration of surface soil
What is the maximum amount of noxious weed seed considered acceptable when buying seed for a restoration project? a) 0.000% b) No more than 0.5% c) No more than 0.5% and no more than 0.1% cheatgrass d) 10% e) It varies depending on the project
e) It varies depending on the project
When collecting cuttings from plants to be used for propagation, the cuttings should be: a) Placed immediately in a warm and dry box b) Placed in a sealed chamber with ethylene c) Sliced into very small pieces and coated with sugar d) Immediately discarded e) Kept cool and moist
e) Kept cool and moist
Dirr and Heuser (1987) explained that leaf cuttings in woody plant propagation are _______________. a) Very efficient when propagating woody plants b) Extremely time consuming c) Of little value d) Labor intensive e) None of the above
e) None of the above
How does the Coral Restoration Foundation monitor their restoration efforts? a) Satellites b) Submarines c) Partnerships with local organizations d) Deep learning algorithms e) Photomosaics
e) Photomosaics
What is the most common mistake made in bioengineering projects? a) Using nine methods for everything b) Too much drainage c) Slopes not steep enough d) Excessively small plants with good root development e) Poor application
e) Poor application
Which of the following is not typically used for primary tillage? a) Offset discs b) Chisel plow c) Rotary tiller d) Moldboard plow e) Seedbed finisher
e) Seedbed finisher
Which pollinator habitat restoration site in human landscape is "really hot right now?" a) Roadsides b) Residential areas c) Commercial areas d) Roadsides e) Solar sites
e) Solar sites
The ____________ allows companies to enter into agreements with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) regarding habitat reclamation. a) The Federal Land Policy and Management Act b) The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Habitat Agreement c) The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act d) The Habitat Conservation Act e) The Colorado Habitat Stewardship Act
e) The Colorado Habitat Stewardship Act
How do techniques like ripping or surface roughening improve the water status in arid environments?
enhancing infiltration and reducing runoff, soil pores are created which can hold more water and allow water to infiltrate more easily. This allows for better water distribution to plants and reduces the amount of water lost to runoff. roughening soil can reduce erosion
According to Bainbridge (2007), how do you "harden off" a plant and why is it important?
gradually acclimating it to outdoor conditions before transplanting it to the field. This is important because plants grown in a greenhouse or other protected environment may be sensitive to direct sunlight, wind, and temperature fluctuations
What are three examples of common mistakes made when using bioengineering for ecological restoration?
poor application, slopes that are too steep, lack of drainage
What are the 4 types of stem cuttings that can be used for propagation?
softwood cuttings, semi hardwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings, Herbaceous cuttings
What are four benefits of green roofs in urban areas?
temp regualtion, stormwater managemnet, biodiversity, air quality
Describe one of the biggest hurdles restorationists/managers face when trying to create pollinator habitat in public spaces?
the challenge of balancing the needs of different stakeholders. Public spaces are often used for a variety of purposes, such as recreation, transportation, and aesthetic enjoyment, and different groups may have conflicting priorities for how the space should be managed
What resources are WRV able to provide to lower accessibility barriers and help volunteers participate in their programs?
tools, equipment, transportation, training, accommodations, finiacial support
