Course Description
Tropical marine ecosystems include some of the most diverse and productive communities on Earth, and efforts to understand and protect them are priorities for marine conservation. Students in this course will learn about the ecology of tropical marine habitats and their associated biological communities. Topics will include the geology, biology, and biodiversity of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests; physical factors affecting the distribution and productivity of each habitat; ecological connectivity among habitats; and major threats challenging organisms that depend upon them for survival. In addition, students will become familiar with conservation programs currently underway to protect tropical marine ecosystems by exploring online databases, scientific reports, and other products developed by organizations that are charged with protecting the health of these important ecosystems.
Credits
3
Course Types
Books/Materials >$50, MSSEP Elective