Course Description
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)
Course Objectives
• Introduce students to the biotic diversity of tropical systems and compare these ecosystems to temperate systems. • Understand the major patterns of geology, geography, biogeography, climate, and soils of tropical ecosystems. • Provide an understanding of the biotic and abiotic interactions found in tropical environments. • Create an awareness of the interplay among structure, function, and behavior in the evolution and ecology of tropical plants and animals. • 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. • Gain an appreciation of the historical and current influence of humans on global tropical systems.
Topical Outline
What and Where Are the Tropics? Biogeography and Evolution in the Tropics Tropical Rain Forest Structure Tropical Savannas and Dry Forests Montane, Elfin and Paramo Ecosystems Tropical Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems Tropical Biodiversity Rain Forest Development and Dynamics Tropical Invertebrate Biodiversity Tropical Vertebrate Biodiversity Biotic Interactions and Coevolution Trophic Dynamics (Predator/Prey Dynamics; Plant Defenses; etc.) Carbon Flux and Climate Change Nutrient Cycling and Tropical Soils Sustainability: UGA Costa Rica Case Study Effects of Climate and Land Use Change on Biodiversity Forest Fragmentation and Conservation Issues
Syllabus