Instructor: |
|
|
|
A. Gonzalez |
N3/2 |
(514) 398-6444 |
andrew.gonzalez@mcgill.ca |
|
|
|
|
Workload: |
|
|
|
3 credits (2-1-6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prerequisites: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Content: |
|
|
|
“Ecology is the science of communities. A study of the relation of a single species to the environment conceived without reference to communities and, in the end, unrelated to the natural phenomena of its habitat and community associations is not properly included in the field of ecology” (Shelford 1929).
This course will assess the veracity of Shelford’s contention. We will cover the central concepts in community ecology organized around three major themes:
- Local patterns and processes (eg. competition, predation)
- Regional patterns and processes (eg metacommunities)
- Historical and phylogenetic perspectives.
|
Particular emphasis will be placed on the principal theories, their historical development, and the observational and experimental support for them. By the end of the course the student will have a broad appreciation of current knowledge in community ecology. |
|
|
|
|
Readings: |
|
|
|
Although not an official course text, selected chapters from R. E. Ricklefs and D. Schluter (1993) Species Diversity in Ecological Communities (Chicago Press) will be read. Readings from the primary literature will be provided throughout to address topics not covered by the text. |
|
|
|
|
Method: |
|
|
|
Weekly, 1.5-hour lecture and discussion and 1.5-hour seminar for paper discussion. |
|
|
|
|
Evaluation: |
|
|
|
Class participation, 3 short essay assignments, 1 oral presentation.
|