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Academic Year 2001/2002

Paleoecology of Plant Communities
E&ES 370 SP

This course examines the fossil pollen and plant macrofossil record of Quaternary vegetation throughout the globe. Our goal is to understand how ecological principles and paleoclimatic evidence can be used to help interpret paleobotanical data. The first half of the semester will focus on reading and understanding the primary literature. The second half of the semester will be a group field and laboratory project. Students will investigate a relevant question of interest to the class by collection of sediment cores from New England lake(s), extraction and analysis of plant fossils from these sediments and interpretation of the data.

MAJOR READINGS

From the primary literature.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Course grades will be based on a midterm (35%), class participation and presentations (10%), pollen identification quizzes (20%), and a final term paper (35%).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Some knowledge of ecological principles (preferably through prior enrollment in BIOL207, BIOL261, or E&ES261). One required weekend field trip.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: NSM E&ES    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2002

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