Main aim of the course is to provide students with the basic knowledge necessary to understand the complexity of the interactions that allow the functioning of the ecosystems. The course also aims to stimulate observation and logical deduction skills. Ample attention is given to the role of ecological factors and their interaction.
Course Prerequisites
Understanding ecology requires basic knowledge of general chemistry and physics, as well as notions of zoology and botany. A review of the secondary school science curriculum may be helpful.
Teaching Methods
Lectures are mainly based on Power Points presentations, which are available for the students on the moodle platform KIRO, in the course section. Course attendance is strongly advised. For students participating to the DIDATTICA INCLUSIVA programme, video-lectures and video-recordings of lectures are available on the KIRO platform.
Assessment Methods
The exam is exclusively oral and is designed to test the student's ability to re-elaborate the course content, demonstrating an understanding of the complexity of the subject matter and the interconnectedness of the various topics covered. Students may choose the topic with which to begin the exam.
Texts
SMITH T.M. & SMITH R.L. Elements of Ecology. Pearson
Contents
Introduction to the course - Ecology: definitions and levels of investigation. Population, biotope, and ecosystem. Ecological factors - Temperature, water, and light. Steno- and eury- ecy. Ecological significance and limiting factors. Macro- and microclimates. Biogeochemical cycles - Water cycle. Oxygen cycle. Nitrogen (nitrogen catabolism) and phosphorus cycle. Turnover rate and time. Nyctemeral rhythms in aquatic environments. Eutrophication: premises - balance between oxygen production, consumption, and diffusion - consequences. Species and population - Habitat and ecological niche. Biological indicators. The population: study parameters and dynamics. Adaptive strategies. Species with "r" and "k" reproductive strategies. Community and ecosystem - Positive and negative interspecific interactions. Intraspecific interactions. The biological community: structure and function. Production and productivity. Primary and secondary production. Biotic diversity: concepts and measurements. The ecosystem: variability, cyclicity, stability. Primary and secondary successions. Alien species and invasive species.
Course Language
Italian
More information
Additional studying and working material will be directly provided by the teachers on UNIPV KIRO website (http://kiro2014.unipv.it.idcd/) together with the Powerpoint presentations used in class, if not copyrighted.
