BIOL 402T(S) Current Issues in Ecology (Same as Environmental Studies 404T)

This senior course will examine coevolution between plants and animals. The interactions between plants and their herbivores, pollinators, and seed dispersers both have a long evolutionary history and are the focus of much current ecological interest. Ecological and evolutionary questions of general importance will be addressed within this context. Tutorials will use the original literature to explore topics such as the evolution of plant defenses against herbivory, constraints on the evolution of mutualisms, controls on herbivore populations, whether herbivores or mutualists can increase species diversity, and the role of herbivores and mutualists in maintaining community structure. Student presentations will be an important part of the course.
Evaluation will be based on oral presentations, class participation, and written assignments.
Prerequisite: Biology/Environmental Studies 203 or Biology 204 (Animal Behavior).
Satisfies distribution and senior requirements in major.

Hour: MEYER