BIOEE 1640 - FWS: From Dingos to Dodos: Ecology and Evolution on Islands

Fall. 3 credits. Letter grades only.

First-Year Writing Seminar.

S. Barve, I. J. Lovette.

How did a pigeon evolve into a Dodo? What makes islands such wonderful natural laboratories for field biology? What lessons do islands provide for the conservation of continental biodiversity? This course will introduce students to landmark research from islands around the world and its significant contribution towards our knowledge of ecology, evolution and conservation. Students will read diverse scientific and popular literature. They will gain skills in effective scientific communication through reading and critiquing scientific articles particularly the hypotheses, results and their interpretation as popular reviews. As the semester progresses, students will work on independent research grant proposal projects on island biology. The proposals due at the end of the semester will then undergo a process of peer review by student committees.