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Description
This course examines the history and development of modern biomes and the causes and
consequences of long-term ecological change. From discussion and readings, you will develop
an understanding of the principles of paleoecology and examine the data used to reconstruct past
vegetation. We will focus on current debates in paleoecology on such topics as
- species responses to climate change
- prehistoric perspectives on ecosystem dynamics
- plant evolution and the Quaternary record
- equilibrium in ecosystems
- the role of fire and natural disturbance in ecosystems
- human influences on vegetation--past, present, and future
Our emphasis will be on the vegetation history of North America since the last ice-age (last
20,000 years). Depending on class interest, other areas will also be considered. The course will
be structured as a seminar with weekly discussions of assigned readings. Each student will be
asked to report on the vegetation and climatic history of a region based on an assessment of the
primary literature. This review will be presented in class and written up as a report. We will
take a one-day field trip to look at paleoecologic sites in the region and try some of the field
techniques used in their study.
Prerequisites: BIOL 303, GEOL 302, GEOL 309, GEOL 581 or equivalent cousework, or consent of instructor.
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