GEOS 304T(S) Paleoecology

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 ultimate goal of paleoecology is to trace the evolutionary history of ancient ecosystems through geological 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 diversity through a range of local to global scales; ecological succession in recent and ancient communities; time recurrent communities as related to cyclicity in the physical environment; discontinuity through mass extinctions; and community evolution. Ecosystems considered include marine-shelf benthos, reefs, rocky shores, and rain forests. Readings are selected from the recent and current journal literature in biology and geology. Following an initial group meeting, students will meet in pairs for tutorials. There will be a final group meeting. Evaluation will be based on five orally presented, written essays as well as weekly participation in discussions. Prerequisite: any 100-level Geosciences course or Biology 102.

Hour:  M. JOHNSON