Overview
Species and population ecology: patterns of biodiversity; management of threatened species; evolution and environmental influences; how individuals interact with each other in populations, and with their physical environment.
Natural ecosystems are intricately linked with human society, yet their sustainability is threatened by the rapid expansion of our population and its industries. Of all scientific disciplines, ecology is best placed to offer long-term solutions. This paper provides a thorough overview of ecological principles, ranging from the forces acting on individuals and populations, to those structuring entire ecosystems. It provides a foundation for those aiming at becoming ecologists, as well as a complete introduction to the field to those majoring in other areas such as economics or law.
About this paper
| Paper title | Ecology and Conservation of Diversity |
|---|---|
| Subject | Ecology |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,243.65 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Restriction
- BIOL 114
- Schedule C
- Science
- Contact
- ecology@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
Course Co-ordinator: Professor Steve Wing
Lab Co-ordinator: Kunle Adebowale
- Textbooks
Bowman WD, Hacker SD. 2024. Ecology. Sixth edition. ed. Sunderland, MA: Oxford University Press.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will:
- Understand how evolution and the environment affect species
- Understand how and why species fluctuate in abundance
- Understand how vital rates can be influenced by conditions and resources
- Understand how intra- and interspecific interactions can affect populations
- Understand how to use ecological principles to conserve threatened species
- Understand what underpins our planet's biodiversity
- Develop skills in experimental design, group work, critical thinking and scientific communication (including report writing and oral communication)