ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

Catalog description

Introduces students to the ecological, economic, and social/ethical issues involved in the study of ecosystem services, with a major focus on biological components involved in ecosystem services. Topics covered include: 1) an introduction to the roles that living organisms play in the provision of ecosystem services, 2) the relationship of ecosystem functions and services, 3) the societal factors that influence this relationship, 4) general categories of ecosystem services, 5) identification of potential ecosystem services in terrestrial and aquatic systems, 6) an overview of the methods of valuation, and 7) translating ecosystems functions to services. Case studies will be used to illustrate key concepts and relationships within different ecological and social contexts.