Course Description
The study of natural history on location throughout the South Pacific, with particular emphasis on New Zealand and Australia. During visits to nature reserves and parks, rain forests, coral reefs, coastlines, and mangrove forests, the animal, plant, and insect species will be identified, and the geological setting will be explained. Human migration and exploitation of the environment will also be discussed.
Athena Title
Biology of the South Pacific
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in BIOL 3460H, FANR 3460H
Non-Traditional Format
Background lectures, usually at night, on the topics to be studied or the locations to be visited plus daily guided visits to various habitats.
Pre or Corequisite
BIOL 1108 or BIOL 2108H
Semester Course Offered
Offered summer semester every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. To demonstrate knowledge of the geology, biogeography, and ecology of the South Pacific; 2. To understand plant and animal diversity in selected habitats throughout the South Pacific; 3. To evaluate the role (and impact) of humans on the natural environments of the South Pacific.
Topical Outline
The course syllabus is a general plan for the course; deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary. 1. Pre-departure assignment on a selected representative organism 2. The big picture a. Geological evolution of the region b. Biogeography and distribution of plants and animals throughout the region c. Ecology of the region 3. Selected habitats/case studies a. New Zealand i. Rocky intertidal ii. Sandy shore iii. Alpine iv. Temperate rain forest b. Australia i. Coral reef ii. Tropical and/or temperate rainforest iii. Sclerophyll forest iv. Arid and/or semi-arid ecosystems c. Other i. Representative habitats of other selected regions in the South Pacific 4. Humans and the natural environment a. Human impacts on habitats b. Habitat management