ECOLOGY OF POPULATIONS AND COMMUNITIES
Ecology
The exam evaluation is based on two parts:
- An orally exam in which are required the content of the course
- a presentation in orally and written form of selected scientific investigations based on analysis of ecological data (computer simulations, numerical and statistical calculations)
The course provides deeper knowledge of ecological theory on the two main levels of ecology: 1) population and 2) community ecology. Both items are analysed using molecular techniques
Four main goals of this course are identified:
1. Learn the fundamental patterns of population and community dynamics:
the course intends to support advanced knowledge-building in ecological theory in population and community ecology together with skills in using mathematical models as tools to understand the development of populations and community ecology processes
2. Gain experience with mathematical and genetic models used to describe populations and communities: the course gives skills in using mathematical and graphical models to analyse population and community processes and from these interpreting results and formulating new hypotheses.
3. Provide first experience in reading and synthesizing the primary literature in ecology.
4. Increase skills in oral and written presentation of ideas.
Topics proposed in the course are related to:
• models in ecology
• basic models of intraspecific interactions (density dependent population dynamics) and interspecific interactions (predatory-prey models, mechanisms for coexistence)
• population dynamics: demographic effects, effects of different life history strategies
• apply the niche concept and alternative models (for example neutral theory) on biodiversity patterns and to evaluate the importance of species composition and diversity for population and community dynamics
• interactions in food webs for the development of populations and communities, and evaluate the concepts of trophic dynamics, direct and indirect effects in food webs
• explain the importance of spatial scale for interactions within and between populations and account for interactions between meta-populations and meta-communities
Teaching is given in the form of lectures, computer exercises, literature assignments and a work project (oral and written presentation). Participation at computer exercises, assignments of literature analysis and drafting of a work project is strongly required.
Lecture presentations will be provided on the e-learning website;
A detailed scientific literature will also be provided.
support books:
testi di riferimento:
Gary Mittelbach. COMMUNITY ECOLOGY. SINAUER ASSOCIATED
Larry Rockwood. INTRODUCTION TO POPULATION ECOLOGY . 2nd ed. Wiley Balcwell
The course gives skills in:
- ecological data and test hypotheses, critically review research results/theories and formulate new questions
- communicate scientific results orally and in written form
The course comprises a part of group assignments stressing the planning of scientific investigations and the analysis of ecological data (computer simulations, numerical and statistical calculations) that are presented orally and in written form.
12 Lectures (24 hours)
module exercises based on computer laboratory and literature assignment and project work (16 hours)