ENST 381 - Topics in Ecosystem Ecology - Ecosystem Structure and Function

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

(Same as BIOL 381) Topic for 2024/25b: Structure and Function of Ecosystems. Ecosystems are complex systems, where biotic and abiotic factors interact to create the world we see around us. Understanding the nature of ecosystems is fundamental to understanding how disturbance and change in a dynamic world will influence ecosystem stability. This is especially critical as we enter the Anthropocene; a time in our planet’s history where one species, modern humans, dominate. Major changes brought about by increased human activity include changing climate regimes, invasive species spread and biodiversity loss. This course explores how ecosystems, both aquatic and terrestrial, are assembled (structured) and how different ecosystems process energy and matter (function). We use our understanding of structure and function to explore how different ecosystems respond to changes in the environment. Understanding ecosystems is important for making management decisions, but how we communicate that information is equally as important as the information itself. The second half of this class explores effective science communication strategies, with a class project tackling how to translate ecosystem science. Lynn Christenson.

Prerequisite(s): One course in Ecology, e.g., BIOL 241 or BIOL 356.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS