BIOL220

[WesMaps Home Page] [Course Search] [Course Search by CID]

BIOL220

Conservation Biology BIOL220 SP

Next Offered in 9899 SP

A course focusing on the biological and ecological aspects of the conservation of species and communities, integrating concepts from ecology, evolution, population biology, genetics, biogeography, and systematics. The course material is derived from an examination of a variety of ecosystems and natural communities, such as neotropical migratory birds, vernal pools, prairies, declining amphibian species, island biotas, desert spring fishes, tropical wet forests, caves, coral reefs, anadromous fishes, riverine mollusks, old growth forests, the Great Lakes ecosystem, and others. Specific topics addressed include the nature of conservation data, life history of affected species and patterns and processes in particular ecosystems (including attributes that make certain species and systems vulnerable to ecosystem alteration), direct and indirect impacts of introduced organisms, how genetic data affect conservation priorities and the legal status of taxa, conservation relevance of paleohistory, theoretical and empirical consequences of habitat fragmentation, applications of metapopulation and island biogeographic theory, patterns of extinction and species endangerment, and ecosystems restoration.

MAJOR READINGS

To be announced

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Two exams and one literature research paper.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: NSM BIOL

Prerequisites: BIOL207

Last Updated on MAR-03-1998

Contact wesmaps@wesleyan.edu to submit comments or suggestions.