654-204 Ecology: Individuals and Populations

Experiments involving the use of animals are an essential part of this subject; exemption is not possible.

Formerly known as 654-204 Animal Ecology.

Biology 650-141 and 650-142; or 650-131 and 650-132 (prior to 2004: biology 600-141 and 600-142; or 600-131 and 600-132); or geography 121-012 and 121-013.

By the completion of this subject, students should have an appreciation of:

• the way in which components of the environment affect individual organisms' ability to survive and reproduce;

• the way in which populations grow;

• the consequences of environmental effects on individuals and on the distribution and abundance of populations;

• the nature of interactions between species in communities, and how these interactions affect individuals and populations; and

• the effect of natural selection on individuals and on the dynamics of populations and communities.

In the practical component students should:

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

• gain an appreciation of the importance of field experiments and the role and usefulness of models, including mathematical models, in ecology.

The subject provides an introduction to ecological questions that can be addressed at the levels of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. Topics covered include aquatic and terrestrial examples; organisms and the physical environment; life histories, population growth and regulation; managing populations; theoretical models; and species interactions, especially competition and predation. The practical component will emphasise experimental approaches to ecology, experimental design and biometry, and how to write scientific papers.

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

• M Begon et al., Ecology: Individuals, Populations and Communities. 3rd edn, Blackwell, 1996.