Ecology of Mid-Western North America

Catalog description

Units: 2 Hours: 54 (27 lecture, 27 laboratory) Field introduction to ecology of the major biomes, communities and life zones of the Midwestern and Western regions of the United States, emphasizing plains grasslands, montane forests, desert badlands, alpine zones, and aquatic habitats. Topics explored in each ecological area include climate, common plants and animals, species relationships, geology, historical changes, paleoecology and other environmental factors. Fossil and other evidence of past environments compared to present communities. This class requires the ability to hike moderate distances on uneven ground. This class will involve camping in either developed campsites or in undeveloped wilderness areas. (CSU)