Ecology
PCB4043
Ecological science examines the integrated
workings of nature at all scales of life, from molecules to global cycles that
sustain life on earth. This course is designed in hierarchical fashion. First,
the ecology of individuals is examined, in the realm of physiological ecology
and the adaptations of organisms to the abiotic
factors of the environment. Populations of organisms are the next level of
complexity, involving regulation of population growth and population genetics.
Populations comprise communities, with community structure, diversity,
stability, and change. From there the study of nature
from a systems point of view is examined, exploring ideas of biomass and energy
flow through ecosystems and the cycles of elements in the biosphere. The course
finishes by taking the information learned in the course and applying it to
conservation and pollution issues and the scientific approaches to those
problems. While the lecture focuses on the concepts and models of ecological science,
the lab is oriented towards field experience. Local habitats are used to
explore the concepts learned in the lecture with a mixture of experimental
analysis and natural history. A web site has been established with descriptions
of the local habitats and species lists of the dominant animals and plants
found there (the Flora and Fauna of Northwest Florida). Images of species are being constantly added, and
the site should help in studying the local flora and fauna in lab. Chemistry
and Statistics are prerequisites, and a good background in biological science
is helpful.
The following items are available here or you
can visit the Library's course reserve materials site. Readings required for lab (listed with
the lab schedule) are also available at the course reserve site as downloadable
files. In addition, all reserve materials are accessible by walking into the
library and requesting the hard copies at the reserve desk.
from Taxonomy lab, courtesy of your classmate, Carla
Preston
Sample Multiple Choice Questions
(all)
Sample short answer
questions (new)
For further Information Contact:
Dr. Richard A. Snyder
CEDB-Biology
Bldg 58, Rm 62D
474-2806