Winter Ecology ((4 Credits))

Catalog description

Winter Ecology is a study of the organisms that occupy niches in the ecosystems of temperate climates with seasonal temperature variations. Some animals have evolved special adaptations to survive cold climates, while others simply adapt their seasonal behaviors in an attempt to survive the cold. These physiological and behavioral adaptations are a major focus of this study. Plants, too, have evolved specialized mechanisms to survive the winter. These specializations are intimately related to the weather and temperature processes inherent in a winter climate. Human responses to the cold are also studied to provide a basis for comparison with other organisms. Prerequisites: None..