BIOEE 4660 - [Physiological Ecology, Lectures]

(BIO-AS, PBS-AS)

Spring. Not offered: 2023-2024. Next offered: 2024-2025. 3 credits. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: BIOEE 1610, BIOG 1440, BIOAP 3110 or permission of instructor.

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.