Biodivers. as Ecosyst. Service

Catalog description

Flood prevention, climate regulation, soil formation, and nutrient cycling are examples of ecosystem services provided by biodiversity. In this class, students learn to ecologically calculate biodiversity and to examine the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function - and how these functions translate (or not!) into ecosystem services. Classes will include case studies, group work, reading of primary literature and field trips to examine the role of biodiversity in natural and human modified spaces. We will also consider biodiversity through a social justice lens. A final student project will focus on drivers of biodiversity change and potential consequences. Prerequisites: ENVI 101 and ENVI 201. Offered spring only.