Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

This module begins with a context and introduction to the powering of ecosystems with specific reference to systems based on sunlight and green plants and those based on dead organic matter. We consider how humans during the anthropocene have altered these systems and how this is impacting on our climate.

The ecosystem is the basic unit of study in ecology and many important relationships between organisms, both plants and animals, with their abiotic environment are best explored at this level. Initially, a holistic approach is adopted with an analysis of a simple ecosystem, the arctic tundra, to show how our knowledge of this system has evolved and to describe the basic relationships that exist between its various components. It is necessary, however, to place the concept of the ecosystem within the context of the ecological hierarchy which considers ecological organisation from the individual level up to the biosphere.
A range of abiotic factors are reviewed and considered in relation to biotic factors including herbivory, predation and competition. Predation is one factor that limits population numbers from infinite exponential growth. Similarly, competition for resources has an equally important effect. In addition, a study of resource utilisation by species helps us to understand their position within ecological systems, generally defined as the niche. Within its distribution, however, a species will often show specific adaptation to particular situations; examples of such ecotypic variation will be discussed.
Some aspects of the ecology of individual plant and animal species, however, can best be understood from a study of their autecology. Individual plant and animal species are used to illustrate the concept of autecology. These are integrated across the lecture series ending with emphasis on our need to appreciate and conserve biodiversity as a resource for future generations.
The practicals will develop tree and bird ID skills that the students will use to construct a mini-portfolio detailing faunal and floral changes in phenology from winter into spring. This will include temporal biological information about plants and animals, weather and environment.