BIOL 401T Human Impacts on Succession (Same as Environmental Studies 401T) (Not offered 1998-99)

A tutorial that investigates the role of human activities in mediating and altering the pathways of succession and predictable directional changes in biological communities and ecosystems. Henry David Thoreau first used the term "succession" in his address to the Middlesex Agricultural Society in 1860, attributing an important role to human-caused disturbance in the process. This tutorial will expand upon the research accomplished by the Spring 1997 tutorial on succession, and centrally investigate the roll of diverse human activities in changes occurring in different types of ecosystems. Human impacts on ecosystems that seem to defy the applications of successional models will also be addressed. At least one field trip will be taken to the Hopkins Memorial Forest to discuss the varied human impacts on that landscape. Evaluation will be based on oral presentations, written assignments, critical analyses, and class participation. Prerequisite: Biology/Environmental Studies 203. Enrollment limited to 12. Satisfies distributions and senior requirements in major.

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