Course Description
Advanced synthesis of physiological, population, community, and ecosystem studies in the major terrestrial plant associations of the world.
Athena Title
Communities and Ecosystems
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The goal is to understand the linkages between terrestrial plant communities and the biophysical environment. Characteristics of the worlds' nine major climatic types will be the initial focus. Secondly, the structural and physiological adaptations of plants to each of these climatic regimes will be examined. Population, community, and ecosystems properties will be explored across the climatic gradients from the equator to the poles. Terrestrial and aquatic habitats will be investigated. Heinrich Walter's book, "Vegetation of the Earth and Ecological Systems of the Geo-biosphere" will serve as the starting point. The course syllabus is a general plan for the course; deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary.
Topical Outline
Lecture outline: a)major climate regions of the earth b)structures and functions of major plant communities in each climate regions c)long term historical changes in these communities d)projected possible future changes in these communities resulting from climate change and from human activities Reading and discussing relevant literature: a)Student lead discussions of literature relating to lecture topics. b)Identify significant gaps in our understanding of communities and ecosystems c)Identify potential future scientific and management challenges d)Identify potential solutions to current and future challenges Develop Future Research projects – or what have they learned in this class that can help them deal the community and ecosystems portions of their theses or dissertations? How will activities be evaluated: Lectures - will be evaluated with a mid term and a final exam