NTRES 3220 - Global Biodiversity

(OPHLS-AG, SBA-AG) (CU-SBY, EC-LASP)

Fall. 3 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: college-level biology and general ecology course.

J.B. Yavitt.

This course will explore the historical and ecological concepts underlying the planet’s biological diversity. The goal is to develop an overview of what we know about patterns and processes of biological diversity in the past, present, and future. Pattern and process is the foundation to explore conservation and policy implications of changing biodiversity. Patterns include species richness, endemism, and extinction for plants and animals. Processes include climatic, ecological, geographic, and human induced changes. Recognizing the origin and maintenance of biological diversity is imperative in light of the tremendous increase in the human population size and the effects that humans have on life on Earth.

Outcome 1: Describe the historical origins of biodiversity for major taxonomic groups, and how that biodiversity has been and is distributed across the Earth.

Outcome 2: Describe the ecological and biogeographic concepts that influence biodiversity.

Outcome 3: Investigate a topic of interest and explain the importance via research and writing.

Outcome 4: Predict the consequences of changing biodiversity and conservation strategies.

Outcome 5: Synthesize course content via writing and examination.