This is for NR103...

First a message about the final.  Right now, it is scheduled for 
Thursday, May 9 at8 AM.  One person asked me if there was a way to 
schedule it earlier.  We could, *if* the class is in unanimous agreement, 
and *if* I can find a room, use the final slot for NR105, which is on May 
7 at 4PM.  I asked those in class today (Tuesday, April 16) about it, and 
other than a couple of conflicts, there seemed to be agreement to change 
the time.  I will ask again in class on Thursday, and make a decision 
then.  I NEED EVERYONE'S INPUT FOR THIS.  If you won't be in class, 
please e-mail me privately with your response.  I do not mind giving the 
exam twice, as there will inevitably be a few people who cannot or do not 
want to change the time.  However, if I change the time, and if you have not 
notified me of a conflict, I WILL EXPECT THAT YOU TAKE THE EXAM AT THE 
NEW TIME.  If there are too many people who object (i.e. more than 3-4), 
we'll keep the time as scheduled now.  If you feel awkward objecting in 
class, you can e-mail me, or let me know privately.  Meanwhile, I'll try 
to find a room just in case.     

Just a reminder about the homework due on Thursday, April 18.  I have put 
3 copies of the article "Ecosystem Function of Biodiversity" by Yvonne 
Baskin on reserve in the library.  Since it is a short article (4 pages) 
and there are only 3 copies, I would strongly suggest that you make a 
copy of it soon and avoid the rush.

The assignment is:  Read the article, and summarize the two hypotheses 
about the importance of biodiversity to ecosystem function.  Based don 
your understanding of the material presented in the article, what do we 
really know about the effects of species diversity on ecosystem 
function?  Should species diversity or ecosystem function be the more 
important standard?  You might also argue for some integrated 
perspective.  Support your answer.

See you Thursday, 
Sue.