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BIOL 0016C - Vernal Pools and the California Prairie

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

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 13 (7 lecture, 6 laboratory) Description: Field study that explores the past, present, and future of California’s prairie, grassland, and vernal pool ecosystems of the Central Valley. Emphasis on remaining natural areas and conservation efforts. This class may require ability to hike moderate distances on uneven ground. (CSU) Units 0.5 Lecture-Discussion 7 Laboratory 6 By Arrangement Contact Hours 13 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Describe and evaluate the impacts of humans on the prairie, grassland, and vernal pool ecosystems of the Central Valley. Describe the ecological and geological principles that affect the natural prairie, grassland, and vernal pool ecosystems of the Central Valley. Explain the factors that have shaped the evolutionary adaptations of organisms of the prairie, grassland, and vernal pool ecosystems in the Central Valley. Accurately document and interpret ecological observations made on a field trip in prairie, grassland, and/or vernal pool ecosystems in the Central Valley. Course Content Outline Lecture Outline 1. Introduction to general ecological principles (trophic levels, nutrient cycles, etc.) 2. General geological features of the Central Valley 3. Characteristics of prairie, grassland, and vernal pool ecosystems of the Central Valley 4. Typical species assemblages of the prairie, grassland, and vernal pool ecosystems of the Central Valley 5. Concept of the ecological niche 6. Evolution and adaptations of key Central Valley prairie, grassland, and vernal pool species 7. Human impacts on the prairie, grassland, and vernal pool ecosystems of the Central Valley (e.g. native peoples, European settlers, Gold Rush, agriculture, urbanization) Laboratory/Field Outline: 1. Taxonomy and classification of key Central Valley prairie, grassland, and vernal pool organisms 2. Unique geological features of the Central Valley 3. Unique and/or rare populations of the prairie, grassland, and vernal pool ecosystems of the Central Valley 4. Human impacts on local prairie, grassland, and vernal pool ecosystems 5. Documentation of field experience Course Objectives Course Objectives Course objectives are linked to items listed in the course content outline (in parentheses) Lecture Objectives: 1. Outline the prairie, grassland, and vernal pool ecosystems of the Central Valley and evaluate the factors that have affected the formation of those ecosystems. (#1, #3, #4, #5, #6) 2. Apply ecological terminology to the description of the prairie, grassland, and vernal pool ecosystems of the Central Valley. (#1, #3, #5) 3. Describe the interactions the local organisms have with the biotic and abiotic factors of their ecosystems (#1, #4, #5, #6) 4. Explain the role that geology plays in the formation and delineation of the prairie, grassland, and vernal pool ecosystems of the Central Valley. (#2, #3) 5. Analyze the past and present effects that humans have on the prairie, grassland, and vernal pool ecosystems of the Central Valley. (#3, #7) Laboratory/Field Objectives: 1. Demonstrate the use of a dichotomous key or field guide to identify species. (#1) 2. Identify geological features that impact the formation and function of the prairie, grassland, and vernal pool ecosystems in the Central Valley. (#2) 3. Identify and observe the interactions that local organisms have with the biotic and abiotic factors of their ecosystems. (#1, #3) 4. Construct a diagram (top view and/or cross-section) of a typical California vernal pool ecosystem. (#2, #3) 5. Assess the various stages through which the ephemeral California vernal pool passes during a typical season (#1, #2, #3) 6. Create a detailed field journal or summary report documenting the field experience. (#5) 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 related to California's Central Valley ecosystems 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 the life history information from a handout or the Species Profile on the US Fish & Wildlife Service website for a threatened or endangered species that occurs in the prairie, grassland, or vernal pool ecosystems of the Central Valley 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 geological feature occurring in the prairies, grasslands, or vernal pools of the Central Valley. 2. To address Course Lab Objective #6, 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.