1a. What is one model implicit in this Table? (answer of a few words)

1b. What does this model represents; that is what is it a surrogate of. (one or two sentence answer)

1c. State one major assumption implicit in the use of this model. (one or two sentence answer)


2. For each species of fish listed in the Table in Bolger and Schwetz (2002), the authors provide (i) the "mean" methylmercury concentration, and (ii) the "range". In language a jury can understand, explain the concept of "mean" and "range." Your answer should clearly demonstrate how these concepts differ. (one sentence to one paragraph answer)



3. Having learned a little about the adverse health consequences of methylmercury, you take your trusty copy of Bolger and Schwetz (2002) to the Hanover Coop. Upon arrival at the fish counter you find that the flounder looks good. Alas, the Table in Bolger and Schwetz does not list flounder! Somehow you must determine whether the flounder is safe, even though its not on the table.

3a. What is the primary factor determining why some species of fish listed in this Table have high concentrations of methylmercury, and others low levels?


3b. The fishmonger at the Coop has no information about methylmercury concentrations in the flounder. But he does know quite a bit about the ecology of flounders. What question would you want to ask him, to help you determine if the flounder is safe?


3c. Explain the concept of "bioaccumulation." Explain how this concept helps one understand why some fish in the Table in Bolger and Schwetz (2002) have much higher methylmercury concentrations than do other fish.


Note: It is likely that if problem 3. is on the exam, I will not use all three parts. These parts ways all get at the same issue.