What makes tropical systems unique? How do we explain high
levels of species richness found in many tropical systems? We
explore what tropical ecosystems are, how they were formed,
what plants, animals, and other life they contain, and how
these ecosystems both support and are impacted by a growing
human population.
Athena Title
Tropical Ecology
Prerequisite
BIOL 1104 or (BIOL 1108 and BIOL 1108L) or (BIOL 2108H and BIOL 2108L)
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will be introduced to the biotic diversity of tropical systems and compare these ecosystems to temperate systems.
Students will understand the major patterns of geology, geography, biogeography, climate, and soils of tropical ecosystems.
Students will provide an understanding of the biotic and abiotic interactions found in tropical environments.
Students will create an awareness of the interplay among structure, function, and behavior in the evolution and ecology of tropical plants and animals.
Students will recognize major groups of tropical flora and fauna, including plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, and learn characteristics that make them uniquely adapted to living in various tropical ecosystems.
Students will gain an appreciation of the historical and current influence of humans on global tropical systems.
