Lecture Syllabus
Dr. Hieber, Ecology (Bi 20)


 ~ Below is the sequence of topics to be covered in lecture. Pages given in Smith should be read before the lecture(s) on that topic; you will then find it easier to follow the lectures. Papers in Real & Brown should be read during or after a particular lecture topic. Many topics in the book will not be covered specifically in lecture; nevertheless, you are responsible for the material assigned. Other short readings may also be assigned as the course progresses.

      TOPIC R.L. Smith Real & Brown*
 1.  Introductory Remarks Chaps. 1, 2

 2.  The Physical Environment;
      The "Niche" Concept		 Chaps. 2-4
Chap. 14, pgs. 257-261		 Papers #1, #2, [#25]
Paper #5

 3.  Evolution; "Adaptations" Chaps. 5-8, 19 Papers #16, #34

 4.  The "Population" Concept:
      Distribution; Dispersal;
      Structure; Growth		 Chaps. 10, 11 Paper #23

 5.  Population Regulation; Resources;
      Intra-specific Competition;
      Abundance		 Chap. 12 Paper #28
LECTURE EXAM #1
 6.  "r" and "K" Selection;
      Reproductive Tactics		 Chap. 13 Paper #10

 7.  Inter-specific Competition Chap. 14 Papers #32, [#35], #37

 8.  Predation and Herbivory Chaps. 15, 16 Papers [#20], #24, #33, #36

 9.  Coevolution Chap. 17 Paper #18

LECTURE EXAM #2
10.  The "Community" Concept:
      Structure
      Disturbance; Stability; Succession
Chap. 20
Chap. 21, 23
Paper #16
Papers #3, [#30], #31

11.  The "Ecosystem" Concept Chaps. 24, 27

12.  Energy flow; Production;
      Trophic Levels		 Chap. 24 Papers #7, #29

13.  Nutrient flow; Biogeochemical
      Cycles; Pollution		 Chaps. 25, 26, 32 Paper #40

14.  Community Regulation:
      Competition; Predation;
      Parasitism; Mutualism		 Chap. 20, pgs. 391-394 Papers #17, #38

15.  Island Biogeography;
      Conservation; Diversity		 Chap. 23 Paper #39
FINAL EXAM: December 17TH, 9:00 AM, Rm. 3101, Goulet Science Center
*papers with brackets (e.g., [#25] ) are optional readings!! You can, of course, read any or all of the unassigned papers in the book if you see some that looks interesting to you.