BIO 232 - Landscape Ecology

Habitat fragmentation and degradation is one of the driving forces of global biodiversity loss - as well as one of the drivers of naturally occurring biodiversity patterns. Landscape ecology investigates the influence of landscape heterogeneity, habitat fragmentation, and landscape permeability on species richness, community composition, dispersal, and functional connectivity. In addition, landscape ecologists provide practical solutions for mediating the effects of habitat fragmentation and reduced connectivity in an increasingly altered natural world. In this course, we will explore the fundamental concepts that inform landscape ecology, review the application of landscape ecology to contemporary conservation challenges such as reserve design, corridor identification and protection, and assess the role of landscape ecology in studying population and community adaptation to climate change and continued habitat loss. Course content is delivered via a combination of lecture, in-class discussion of scientific articles, guest speakers who will present their experience(s) applying landscape ecology to conservation projects, and a combination of field-based and computer labs. Students will engage in some of the standard analytical tools used by landscape ecologists, such as ArcGIS, Circuitscape, and R. Students may receive credit for only one of the courses. Cross-Listed: ENV 232. Course Typically Offered: Every 2 to 3 years.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 141, BIO 142, BIO 212 or permission of the instructor.

Credits: 4