Ecology embraces the study of living plant and animal associations and their response to highly varied physical conditions found in a wide variety of ecosystems. The goal of paleoecology is to trace the evolutionary history of ancient ecosystems through geologic time. Each discipline offers a fascinating perspective on the other. Topics of discussion include: the role of biological and physical controls in the structure of communities; interpretation of fossil assemblages; meaning of biodiversity through a range of local to global scales; ecological succession in recent and ancient communities; role of mass extinctions in long-term community evolution. Ecosystems considered include marine-shelf benthos, reefs, rocky shores, rain forests, grasslands, and deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Readings are selected from current and recent journal literature in biology and geology. Format: tutorial. Following an initial group meeting, students will meet in pairs for tutorials. Two lab sessions and a final group meeting are required. Evaluation will be based on five orally presented, written essays, as well as weekly participation in discussions. Prerequisite: any 100-level Geosciences course. Enrollment limit: 12 (expected: 10). Preference given to sophomores and juniors who have taken Geosciences 101.