W1-2-60-1-6
JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
OF
AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY
University Examinations 2012/2013
THIRD SEMESTER EXAMINATION FOR THE DIPLOMA IN ARCHITECTURE
ABA 0201: PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
DATE: AUGUST, 2012 TIME: 1hr 30min
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer ANY THREE Questions.
Question One
a) Define:
i. Ecology [2 marks]
ii. Autecology [2 marks]
iii. Synecology [2 marks]
b) i. Outline five main objectives of ecological study. [5 marks]
ii. Outline three identifiable subdivision of scale that are of a particular interest in ecology. [3 marks]
c) Discuss approaches as used to address ecological problems and show how an Architect can employ them in the building industry.
i. Behavioral ecology
ii. Psychological ecology
iii. Evolutionary ecology [6 marks]
Question Two
a) i. Define biogeochemistry. [2 marks]
ii. Why is biogeochemistry important in architecture. [3 marks]
iii. State three basic components of ecosystems. [3 marks]
b) i. The extent of input and output environment varies extremely and depends upon
several variables. Using sketch discuss how the variables can be used by Architect in designing a building that would be sustainable for longer periods.
[8 marks]
ii. Define biotic components [2 marks]
iii. State the types of abiotic components. [2 marks]
Question Three
a) Define the following as used in ecology.
i. Adaptation
ii. Fitness
iii. Genotype and phenotype [6 marks]
b) Discus the following phrases as used in coping with the environmental variation in ecology for Architects.
i. Conditions [2 marks]
ii. Resources [2 marks]
iii. Environmental variation [2 marks]
iv. Internal regulation [2 marks]
v. Homeostasis [2 marks]
c) i. What is a habitat [2 marks]
ii. What do you understand by fundamental niche. [2 marks]
Question Four
a) Define:
i. Solar radiation
ii. Rain
iii. Trade winds [6 marks]
b) Discuss:
i. Local variations in climate [2 marks]
ii. Temperature profiles [4 marks]
c) An architect would require ecological information when carrying out climatic analysis for his architectural projects. Discuss any climatic conditions that would be taken into consideration. Show you architectural response. Use sketches where necessary.
[8 marks]
Question Five
a) Discuss the following concepts as they relate to population ecology.
i. Population [4 marks]
ii. Population size [2 marks]
iii. Age and structure [4 marks]
b) What do you understand by the following?
i. The community [2 marks]
ii. Guilds [2 marks]
iii. Community boundaries [3 marks]
c) Discuss communities and populations in architecture. [3 marks]
