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BIOL 0016Q - Ecology of Mid-Western North America

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

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Hours: 54 (27 lecture, 27 laboratory) Description: Field introduction to ecology of the major biomes, communities and life zones of the Midwestern and Western regions of the United States, emphasizing plains grasslands, montane forests, desert badlands, alpine zones, and aquatic habitats. Topics explored in each ecological area include climate, common plants and animals, species relationships, geology, historical changes, paleoecology and other environmental factors. Fossil and other evidence of past environments compared to present communities. 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 2 Lecture-Discussion 27 Laboratory 27 By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Describe and evaluate the impacts of humans on the environments of the Midwestern and Western regions of the United States. Describe the ecological and geological principles that affect the natural ecosystems of the Midwestern and Western regions of the United States. Explain the factors that have shaped the evolutionary adaptations of the organisms of the Midwestern and Western regions of the United States. Accurately document and interpret ecological observations made on a field trip to the Midwestern and Western regions of the United States. Course Content Outline Lecture Outline: 1. Introduction to general ecological principles (e.g. biogeography, biome distribution, nutrient cycles, trophic levels, succesion, species interactions, etc.) 2. Examples of ecological principles specific to the Midwestern and Western regions of the United States 3. General geological and hydrological features of Midwestern and Western regions of the United States 4. Distinguishing characteristics of example communities of the Midwestern and Western regions of the United States 5. Evolution and adaptation of key species of the Midwestern and Western regions of the Unites States (e.g. migration patterns, biogeography, effects of climate change, etc.) 6. Human impacts (past, present, and future) on the Midwestern and Western regions of the United States (e.g. forest management, agriculture and urban development, mining, water use, climate change, conservation, etc.) 7. Geological timetable, paleo-environments and the evolution of specific fossil lineages Laboratory/Field Outline 1. Taxonomy and field identification/classification of key organisms from the Midwestern and Western regions of the United States (e.g. plants, mammals, reptiles, etc.) 2. Geological features of the Midwestern and Western regions of the United States 3. Hydrological features of the Midwestern and Western regions of the United States 4. Processes of fossilization and methods of characterizing ancient ecological environments based upon current fossil evidence and an understanding of ecological, geological and biological processes, including current fossil extraction and preservation techniques 5. Human impacts on the Midwestern and Western regions of the United States 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 Midwestern and Western regions of the United States. (Lecture Outline #1, #2, #5) 2. Apply ecological terminology to the description of the ecosystems of Midwestern and Western regions of the United States. (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 Midwestern and Western regions of the United States. (Lecture Outline #3) 5. Analyze the past and present effects that humans have on ecosystems of Midwestern and Western regions of the United States. (Lecture Outline #6) Laboratory Objectives: 1. Demonstrate the use of a taxonomic key or field guide to identify species. (Laboratory/Field Outline #1) 2. Identify geological and hydrological features that impact the formation and function of communities in Midwestern and Western regions of the United States. (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. Identify examples of human impacts on communities of Midwestern and Western regions of the United States. (Laboratory/Field Outline #5) 5. Create a detailed field journal or summary report documenting the field experience. (Laboratory/Field Outline #6) 6. Formulate reconstructions of past environments from evidence and information gathered during field work (Laboratory/Field Outline #1, #2, #4) 7. Identify the proper procedures for extraction, preparation and preservation of fossil materials discovered in the field (Laboratory/Field Outline #4) Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions 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 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 species occurring in the Midwestern or Western region of the United States 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 Midwestern or Western region of the United States. 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.