Conservation

Catalog description

A study of biodiversity, including the negative impact of human society and what can be done to preserve it. Topics include measurement of biodiversity, ecosystem function, extinction, habitat destruction, fragmentation, degradation, over-exploitation, invasive species, climate change, conservation planning and priorities, fire, human interaction with the environment, human-modified landscapes and experimental design. Meets Ecology requirement for Biology majors. The lab focuses on communities and small populations by using GIS, GPS, computer modeling and the design, management and restoration practices of natural areas. Includes a variety of field trips to natural areas and implementation of hands-on management and restoration practices, including seed collection and processing, wildlife management and controlled burning. Prerequisite: BIO 274