Tropical Reef Ecology Laboratory

Catalog description

This course explores major ecological themes that include community organization and biodiversity, ecologic successions, adaptive strategies, trophic structure, and reef zonation around Little Cayman Island. Field studies reinforce the complex dynamics that are important in tropical ecosystems, and we will examine the primary stressors resulting in the major changes being reported on reefs around the world. Students spend eight days on Little Cayman in January and participate in discussions at Baruch during the spring term. Students must complete both the lecture and the lab (ENV 3015) to earn credit for this course. This course may be used as an elective within both the natural sciences ad hoc major and the natural sciences Tier III minor. Note: Students register through the Study Abroad Office for the January session. Participation in this course requires a non-refundable fee. Please see the instructor for details.