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Natural History of Georgia


Course Description

An introduction to the science of natural history and biota of Georgia, as well as the impacts of humans on regional and national resources (overfishing, human-driven extinctions). Students will gain familiarity with the geography, geology, plants, and animals (especially vertebrates) of the Appalachians, Piedmont, Coastal Plain, and islands of Georgia.


Athena Title

Natural History of Georgia


Semester Course Offered

Offered fall and spring


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

1) The geographical features of Georgia, including land physiognomy, rivers, and biomes. 2) The theoretical underpinnings of natural history, including evolutionary, ecological, and natural resource management theory. 3) The characteristics and factors affecting common trees/forest types, birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates of Georgia. 4) Human impacts on the landscape and biodiversity, including invasive species, exploitation and overexploitation of natural resources, sustainability, ecological footprints, and climate change.


Topical Outline

Georgia geology and geography, biomes (Appalachians, Piedmont, Coastal Plain, Islands, and Estuaries) Continental drift Human impacts on Georgia landscapes, management, and exploitation of natural resources (plants and animals) Theoretical background for: speciation, natural selection, inter- and intraspecific competition, population and community organization, habitat selection, sexual selection, sex determination, biodiversity, prey selection, and resource harvesting/sustainability Basic biology, ecology, and behavior of Georgia: birds, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, mammals Physiological mechanisms: hibernation, sex change, ultra-violet reflectance, and vision Environmental factors determining tree distributions and diversity in Georgia Mimicry Human uses of wild plants in Georgia Biodiversity conservation Ecological tourism in Georgia Ecosystem linkages - transport of nutrients from ocean to forest and human impacts Impacts of invasive species Keystone species Human-driven extinctions and the Endangered Species Act Impacts of agri- and aquaculture on Georgia ecosystems


General Education Core

CORE II: Life Sciences

Syllabus