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BIOL 0016H - Ecology of the Mendocino Coast

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/biol-0016h/

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 26 (14 lecture, 12 laboratory) Description: Field study examining the Northern California Coast and its diverse ecological environments. Using the Fort Bragg/Mendocino/Fort Ross areas, investigates the biological relationships found in: the redwood, riparian, pygmy, mixed evergreen and closed-cone pine forests, and the shoreline communities of tidepool, sandy beach, dune, prairie and scrub. Plants, animals, environmental factors and effects of human activities are assessed for each of the ecological communities examined. This class requires the ability to hike moderate distances on uneven ground. This class will involve camping in either developed campsites or in undeveloped wilderness areas. (CSU) Units 1 Lecture-Discussion 14 Laboratory 12 By Arrangement Contact Hours 26 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Describe and evaluate the impacts of humans on the environments of the Mendocino coast. Describe the ecological and geological principles that affect the natural ecosystems of the Mendocino coast. Explain the factors that have shaped the evolutionary adaptations of the organisms of the Mendocino coast. Accurately document and interpret ecological observations made on a field trip to the Mendocino coast. Course Content Outline Lecture Outline: 1. Introduction to general ecological principles (e.g. trophic levels, nutrient cycles, succession, species interactions, etc.) 2. Examples of ecological principles specific to Mendocino coastal communities 3. General geological features of coastal communities 4. Distinguishing characteristics of the various Mendocino coastal communities (e.g. redwood forest, riparian habitat, pygmy forest, tidepools, sandy beaches, dunes, coastal prairie, etc.) 5. Evolution and adaptations of key species of the various Mendocino coastal communities 6. Human impacts (past, present, and future) on the various Mendocino coastal communities Laboratory/Field Outline: 1. Taxonomy and field identification/classification of key Mendocino coastal community organisms (e.g. plants, algae, terrestrial and marine animals, etc.) 2. Geological features of Mendocino coastal communities 3. Hydrological features of Mendocino coastal communities (e.g. tidal action, zonation, etc.) 4. Unique, indicator, and/or rare populations of organisms in the Mendocino coastal communities 5. Human impacts on Mendocino coastal communities 6. Documentation of the field experience Course Objectives Course Objectives Course objectives are linked to items in the course content outline (parentheses) Lecture Objectives: 1. Evaluate the factors that have affected the formation of the ecosystems of the Mendocino coast. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #5) 2. Apply ecological terminology to the description of the ecosystems of the Mendocino coast. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #4, #5) 3. Investigate the interactions that local organisms have with the biotic and abiotic factors of their ecosystems. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #3, #4, #5) 4. Explain the role that geology plays in the formation and delineation of communities of the Mendocino coast. (Lecture Outline #3) 5. Analyze the past and present effects that humans have on Mendocino coastal communities. (Lecture Outline #6) Laboratory Objectives: 1. Demonstrate the use of a taxonomic key or field guide to identify species. (Laboratory/Field Outline #1, #4) 2. Identify geological and hydrological features that impact the formation and function of Mendocino coastal communities. (Laboratory/Field Outline #2, #3) 3. Investigate the interactions that local organisms have with the biotic and abiotic factors of their ecosystems. (Laboratory/Field Outline #1, #2, #3, #4) 4. Identify examples of human impacts on Mendocino coastal communities. (Laboratory/Field Outline #4, #5) 5. Create a detailed field journal or summary report documenting the field experience. (Laboratory/Field Outline #6) Methods of Evaluation Projects Reports Skill Demonstrations Reading Assignments 1. To address Course Lecture Objective #2, students might be asked to read a handout that describes basic ecological terminology or to read the Ecology unit from the OpenStax Biology online textbook and then apply this knowledge to descriptions of observations made in the field. 2. To address Course Lecture Objective #3 and Course Lab Objective #3, students might be asked to review life history information for a Mendocino coast species that is available in a field guide, handout, or a natural resource agency website and be prepared to discuss this in class. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. To address Course Lecture Objective #4 and Course Lab Objective #2, students might be asked to write and/or prepare a short oral presentation about a geologic or hydrologic feature occurring in a Mendocino coast community. 2. To address Course Lab Objective #5, students might be asked to document their observations in the field in a journal, using any combination of text, sketches, photos, and/or other media. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Laboratory Lecture/Discussion Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.