GEOG 4430 TAKE-HOME MID-TERM EXAM (25 points, 12.5 pts per question) – due Nov. 1Answer two of the three following questions. Each answer should be approximately 750 words in length (i.e. 3 pages of 250 words each). Include citations within the text for assigned readings (e.g. Seastedt et al. 2008) but you don’t need to include a list of references unless you cite sources not included in the assigned reading.1. Write an essay in which you use examples from Colorado to critically evaluate the ideas and consequences in the 2000 commentary by Covington (Nature vol 408 pp. 135-136, uplodaded to the class webpage).The commentary by Covington represents an important perception underlying muchof the legislation (e.g. Healthy Forest Restoration Act) and national policy developments during 2000-2003. Critically evaluate the extent to which Covington's "call for action" (and paradigm implied by his commentary) apply to issues of ecosystem restoration and fire hazard mitigation in Colorado. Consider both montane ponderosa pine ecosystems and subalpine ecosystems dominated by species such as Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir and lodgepole pine.2. Ecological restoration vs. climate change.A common attitude is that concepts and principles related to ecological restoration (including ecosystem-based management concepts) are impractical or irrelevant because of current and future climate trends. One perspective is that ecological restoration in the context of continued climate change is not a viable goal or strategy because we expect novel ecosystems to develop in response to climate change and introduced species. A different perspective is that ecological restoration strategies and principles of ecosystem based management can be used to mitigate environmental changes expected from climate change. Write an essay critically evaluating these contrasting points of view.3. The science underlying policy responses and popular (and political) perceptions to the current mountain pine beetle outbreak in lodgepole pine forests in Colorado.Critically evaluate the ideas and perceptions stated or implied in the 7-20-2006 Denver Post news story (uploaded to the class webpage), in particular the quote from Salazar about the outbreak being the “Katrina of the West.” To what extent arethe ideas reflected in this news story consistent with scientific understanding of causes and consequences (including fire risk and hazard) of mountain pine beetle outbreaks in lodgepole pine forests in