Forest Ecology - Habitats
Course Number:
NR 160
Course Credits:
5.00
Course Description:
Part of three of a three part ecology series. This class will explore the complex and diverse ecosystems found in the Pacific Northwest. E cological principals will be discussed including succession, plant associations and site characteristics that have shaped the wide variety of habitats found in the region. Biodiversity, population ecology and community ecology will be emphasized within the context of ecosystem sustainability. Labs will consist of two extended field trips covering terrestrial landscapes found along the coast, in the Cascade interior and eastside of Washington. A field journal of locations visited will be maintained. This course will be taught in an accelerated format being completed in a 2 week period. 3 lecture hours; 4 lab hours. Vocational program course. May be used as a general elective in the AA degree.
Course Prerequisites:
Prerequisite: ENGL 095 or placement in ENGL& 101; or instructor permission.
Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Recognize and describe ecosystem classification.
- Identify the wide variety of habitats found in Pacific Northwest.
- Describe how climate influences biotic communities along environmental gradients.
- Differentiate characteristics of forest ecosystems found in the Pacific Northwest.
- Explain population and community ecology in relation to forested ecosystems.