Ecosystem

An examination of the interactions between plants and their environment. Emphasis on the underlying physiological mechanisms of plant function, adaptations and responses to stress, and the basis of the distribution of plants and plant assemblages across the landscape. Prerequisites: Biological Sciences E106 or Earth System Science 51 or 60A and 60C. Same as Earth System Science 168.

Biodiversity, history of human impacts, and conservation efforts are examined in the five Mediterranean-type ecosystems. The extent of remaining natural habitat, approaches to ecological habitat restoration, control of exotic species, and predicted consequences of global climate change are described. Prerequisite: Biological Sciences E106.