Disturbance Ecology

3 credits · Graduate

This course covers the effects of biotic and abiotic disturbance agents on ecological processes in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Topics covered may include the role of disturbance frequency, scale and pattern in vegetation and animal succession, animal and plant adaptation and dependence on disturbance, and effects of anthropogenic disturbances or management of disturbance events on ecosystem function. The course may include a field study of a selected system, e.g., sub-boreal forest or prairie landscape. Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor