121-340 Principles of Ecological Biogeography

Note

Students taking this subject should consider also taking 121-341 Techniques in Ecological Biogeography. Students cannot receive credit for both this subject and Faculty of Science subject 121-306 Ecological Biogeography A or 121-339 Ecological Biogeography B.

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

121-213/313 Plants, People and Environment or 121-2xx/3xx Biodiversity or permission of the subject coordinator.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject covers material on: principles of biogeography; concepts and methods dealing with the reconstruction of past biogeographic patterns; palynology, palaeoclimatic effects on biota, theories of vicariance and long distance transport; the impact of humans; island biogeography; succession theory; the dynamics of communities and populations in relation to processes operating over different spatial and temporal scales; fire ecology and management; concepts and methods in restoration ecology. Seminar work explores material additional to that presented in lectures. By the end of the subject students should understand: the ecological significance of modern concepts of the species, succession and climax as they apply to plant communities; the theory of palaeo-ecology and the impacts that climate and humans have had on biogeographic patterns over long periods of time; and the interactions between the plant, animal and soil systems in context of ecosystem functioning and how these relate to the practice of ecosystem restoration. They should also be able to identify how major environmental factors, operating at different temporal and spatial scales, influence the properties and patterns of communities and populations.

Assessment

One 2-hour final examination, a research essay of 2500 words, seminar presentation (oral or written - equivalent to 500 words). Weighting of assessment items will be announced at the beginning of semester. Students must attend at least 80% of the seminars to be eligible to pass the subject.