BIO 138 - Field Ecology

1. Relate the distribution and abundance of plant and animal species to limiting factors.
   1. Discuss adaptations of plants and animals to climatic factors
   2. Discuss adaptations of plants and animals to geological factors
2. Describe the movements of energy and chemicals through natural ecosys­tems
3. Discuss the basic principles of the concept of evolution
4. List the basic principles of the species concept
5. Discuss the dispersal of plant and animal populations
   1. Describe methods of passive dispersal
   2. Describe methods of active dispersal
6. Identify the basic principles of ecological succession
   1. Distinguish between primary and secondary succession
   2. List trends in community development during the succession pro­cess
7. Identify the major biomes of North America
   1. Describe the biotic composition of major biome
   2. List adaptations of plants and animals common to major biomes
8. Identify the basic principles of population dynamics
   1. Relate the sample census method to the index method of popula­tion estima­tion.
   2. Discuss the S-shaped and J-shaped population growth curves
9. Discuss the interactions that take place between living organisms
   1. Outline the differences between commensalism, mutualism, and parasitism.
   2. Discuss the concept of territoriality and niche segregation
   3. List factors influence affect species diversity in ecosystems
10. Use field observations to describe the abiotic and biotic composition of forest, prairie, and wetland ecosystems
11. Identify native plants and animals
    1. Identify species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals common to the midwestern section of the United States
    2. Identify species of trees and herbaceous plants common to the midwestern section of the United States
12. Demonstrate herbarium techniques
    1. Demonstrate methods of preparing plant specimens for herbarium mounts.
    2. Prepare plant identification labels.
    3. Comply with laboratory and field trip safety rules