Problem 1: Choose three boundaries between ecosystem types in California and explain what determines the location of each (e.g. the boundary between montane forest and subalpine forest, the boundary between salt marsh and mud flat).
Problem 2: Why is California's diversity of (a) native species (b) indigenous languages and (c) invasive species so high?
Problem 3: What is a Mediterranean climate system, and why is most of California characterized by one? Explain the forces that generate this climate regime in the state.
Problem 4: How are fire regimes in montane forest and chaparral distinct, and how have humans influenced the historical fire regime in each system?
Problem 5: Explain why upwelling in the California Current System is strongest in spring and weakest in fall.
Problem 6: How do climate, geomorphology and vegetation interact to generate diverse soil types throughout California? Include at least one specific example. Consider how plant organic matter can change soil properties.