Overview
This topic explores the dynamics of natural populations of animals and plants. It focuses on the description of population demography through life table analysis and population growth models, the regulation of population size, and different life history strategies as adaptations for population persistence. It further explores the major interactions between … For more content click the Read More button below.
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Aims
This topic aims to provide an introduction to the fundamental ideas and practices of the science of ecology.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:
1.
Explain the key concepts of population dynamics and understand issues involved with conservation, management or control of populations
2.
Explain the key concepts of interactions among species within an ecological community and the flow of energy within a community
3.
Understand and operate basic mathematical formulae which model population growth, and derive basic parameters describing life history characters of a population
4.
Understand theoretical models that explain the dynamics of population interactions and discuss the main issues involved in the evolution of life history strategies in a population
5.
Discuss the range of factors that can influence the regulation of population size in natural and managed conditions
6.
Have the practical skills to undertake basic ecological studies
Assessments
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Requisites information
Pre-requisites:
Anti-requisites:
Assumed knowledge
Basic knowledge of ecological principles and the nature and extent of biological diversity such as can be obtained in BIOL1101 Evolution of Biological Diversity.
Additional information
Other topic information
This topic requires students to attend two separate all day field trip activities, which will likely be scheduled in October. Students will be advised of specific dates by the end of August.