ENVC 221 - Ecology of Ecosystem Edges/Ecotones

Credits: 3
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 33
Lab Hours: 11
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: Importance of ecotones between freshwater systems and upland areas. Essential biological processes shaping ecological properties of ecotones at various scales of time and space. Students must conduct research and give a short seminar.

Prerequisite: ENVC 101 and ENVC 202 with a C or higher.
Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate the biological values of riparian ecosystems and their ecotones at different temporal and spatial scales.
Apply ecotone concepts when solving fish and wildlife problems during landscape restoration of biodiversity.
Recognize different cultural and socio-economic constraints in ecotone management.
PROGRAM OUTCOME: Utilize ecological processes in an ecosystem context; flow diagrams.
PROGRAM OUTCOME: Communicate climate change effects to park environments.

Course Contents

The ecotone perspective. The importance of land-water ecotones.
Landscape disturbances and lotic systems. Functions of ecotones in fluvial systems.
The characteristics of wetland ecotones. The role of ecotones in aquatic landscapes.
The socio-economic value of ecotones.

Instructional Units: 3.75