- Plant-Animal Interactions

Catalog description

Exploration of the evolution and ecology of interactions between plants and animals. Topics include mutualism (e.g., pollination, frugivory), antagonism (e.g., herbivory, granivory), indirect effects that cascade across taxa, and mechanisms by which plant-animal interactions affect the susceptibility of both groups to pathogenic microbes and fungi. Students perform all the steps of active research (research design, data collection, analysis and presentation), as well as read and critique classic and recent studies from the literature. Student research in Skidmore's North Woods and surrounding areas will be emphasized.