Population Ecology of American Lobster

4ch (1C 4L) EL · Undergraduate

This course is a field, lab, and literature-based study of the population ecology of American lobster. It will introduce students to the specie s ’ four main life stages (embryos, larvae, juveniles, adults), and it will explore some of the more important biotic and abiotic factors that affect them, particularly in relation to demographic trends (over time) and patterns (over space). The course will also give students first-hand experience with different methods that are used to study lobster life history and demography. American lobster is used as a “case study ”; course material and activities are relevant to the study of population ecology in general, particularly that of marine species with bi-phasic (benthic and pelagic) life cycles. An overarching goal of the course is to help students develop quantitative and critical thinking skills. N ote : This course is offered exclusively in the Marine Semester and is designated as having marine content.