This course examines ecology and its large scale patterns and processes, the elements of time and space in the ecosystems, regulatory elements and the application of ecological principles in solving environmental problems.
AIMS
The aims of this course are to examine ecology and its large scale patterns and processes, involving the role that time and space play in the ecosystems, as well as other regulatory elements and the application of ecological principles in solving environmental problems. The class will be focused on the Mediterranean region and Mediterranean ecosystems.
EVALUATION
There will be two exams during the term, a mid-term exam and a final exam, which will contribute as 30% and 35% of the final grade, respectively. Lessons include discussion sections and students must take part in them. Their interventions will be monitored along the term and they will count for the final grade as 15%, together with attendance*. Discussion sections are thought as informal discussions. Homework will contribute as 20% of the final grade. There will be two field trips, in which we will see and apply the concepts studied in class through dynamic activities and field work techniques. These field trips will allow the students to get close to the Mediterranean nature.
*After the third absence without any justification the participation grade will be lowered by half a point for each and every additional absence. Missing one field trip equals 3 absences.
PROGRAM
1. Introduction.- Main concepts. The Mediterranean region.
2. Natural selection and speciation.- A brief history of the theory of evolution. Creationism, transformism, neo-Darwinism. Variation. Speciation.
3. The organism and its environment.- Environmental factors. Physiological ecology. Zonation.
4. The ecosystem: how it works.- Trophic structure. Energy and nutrient flow. Biogeochemical cycles.
5. Population Ecology.- Population growth and regulation. Immigration and emigration. Intra-specific competition.
6. Competition and coexistence.- Predation, parasitism, mutualism, commensalism. Coevolution. R-selection and K-selection.
7. Community ecology.- Main types of communities. Community structure. Biodiversity. Geographical gradients.
8. Community changes.- Disturbances. Succession. Island biogeography. Applications on conservation. Man in nature: effects and exploitation of natural resources.
BASIC BIBLIOGRAPHY
Begon, M., Harper, J.L. & Townsend, C.R. (1996) Ecology. Third Edition. Blackwell
Science. Milan, Italy. 1143p.
Colinvaux, P. (1993) Ecology 2. First Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York. 688 p.
Dodson, S.I. et al. (1998) Ecology. First Edition. Oxford University Press, Inc. New
York. 433p.
Kormondy, E.J. (1996) Concepts of Ecology. Fourth Edition. Prentice Hall. New York.
559 p.
Molles, M.C. (2002) Ecology: Concepts and Applications. Second Edition. McGraw-Hill
Companies, Inc. United States of America. 586 p.
Smith, R.L. & Smith, T.M. (2001) Ecology and Field Biology. Sixth Edition. Addison
Wesley Longman, Inc. United States of America. 771 p.
Smith, R.L. & Smith, T.M. (2000) Elements of Ecology. Fourth Edition. Addison Wesley
Longman, Inc. United States of America. 567 p.
Stiling, P.D. (1992) Ecology. Theories and Applications. Second Edition. Prentice Hall.
New Jersey. 539 p.
Voght, K.A. et al. (1996) Ecosystems. Balancing Science with Management. First
Edition. Springer-Verlag. New York. 470 p.
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