BIO3820 · Tropical terrestrial biology

Overview

This unit covers all major aspects of tropical ecology, explaining why the world's tropics are so rich and diverse in species, what factors contribute to this richness and how the interactions between plants and animals result in such complex relationships. We discuss biodiversity in the tropics, the variety of tropical ecosystems such as rainforests, savannas, dry forests, montane tropics and peat swamps. The importance of climate, nutrient cycling, disturbance, and forest dynamics on the ecology of tropical plants and animals is a major theme. Conservation and management issues such as conflicting land-use requirements, logging and fire are also investigated in the unit.

Areas of study: Ecology and conservation biology Plant sciences Tropical environmental biology Zoology

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Describe the diversity, structure and function of a range of tropical ecosystems;
2. Explain conservation and management issues affecting tropical ecosystems;
3. Integrate and discuss the importance of climate, nutrient cycling, disturbance and forest dynamics on the ecology of tropical plants and animals;
4. Design, analyse and undertake sampling programs to examine the flora and fauna of tropical habitats;
5. Demonstrate advanced scientific report writing skills;
6. Make effective oral and visual presentations;
7. Work collaboratively and effectively in teams.

Workload

• Two 1-hour seminar or lecture (online, self study) and • One 1-hour tutorial (or equivalent) per week, plus • One 5-day field trip, excluding travel days.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.