606-204 Ecology: Communities and Ecosystems

Biology 650-141 and 650-142 (prior to 2004: 600-141 and 600-142); or geography 121-012 and 121-013.

The subject provides an introduction to ecological questions that can be addressed at the levels of communities and ecosystems. Topics include:

• measurement of ecological systems at the level of food web, community, ecosystem and landscape;

• trophic interactions and resource partitioning;

• disturbance and ecological succession;

• nutrient cycling and energetics;

• palaeoecology; and

• management of human activities.

By successully completing this subject, students should gain:

• understanding of the concept of ecological communities, ecosystems and landscapes;

• knowledge of field sampling and techniques;

• appreciation of the roles of natural and human disturbances in ecological systems;

• understanding of the approaches to management at these ecological scales;

• an appreciation of the role and usefulness of models, including mathematical models in ecology;

• an understanding of the ways in which ecological research is carried out; and

• an ability to synthesise, interpret and discuss current scientific literature.

One 2-hour end-of-semester written examination; up to 15 pages of practical and excursion reports; continuous assessment of practical exercises and laboratory problems.