BIOEE 4660 - [Physiological Ecology, Lectures]

(PBS-AS)

Spring (offered alternate years). 3 credits. Letter grades only (S/U grades with permission of instructor).

Prerequisite: BIOEE 1610, BIOG 1440, BIOAP 3110 or permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to: 30 students.

J. Sparks, M. Vitousek.

Detailed survey of the physiological approaches used to understand the relationships between organisms (plants and animals) and their environment. Lectures explore physiological adaptation; limiting factors; resource acquisition and allocation; photosynthesis, carbon, and energy balance; water use and water relations; nutrient relations; linking physiology, development, and morphology; stress physiology; life history and physiology; the evolution of physiological performance; and physiology at the population, community, and ecosystem levels. Readings draw from the primary literature and textbooks.

Outcome 1: Describe the ecological context and measurement of photosynthesis.

Outcome 2: Interpret the relevance and controls over respiration in both plants and animals.

Outcome 3: Recognize thermal adaptation in both plants and animals.

Outcome 4: Identify water status in plants and animals.

Outcome 5: Analyze water status data from the field within an ecological context.

Outcome 6: Independently plan physiological ecological experiments.

Outcome 7: Lucidly present their research findings.

Outcome 8: Translate the methods and ideas covered in class to field and glasshouse experimental exercises.

Outcome 9: Statistically analyze their data.

Outcome 10: Structure and write scientific reports.