BIO 309 ECOLOGY OF MAJOR ECOSYSTEMS (3-0) 3

Fall 2017
Course Syllabus

Lecturer:
Prof Dr. Musa DOAN
E-mail: doganm@metu.edu.tr

Class Meeting Time:

Wednesday 11.40 ( Z 07)
Thusday 8.40 -9.40 (Z 07)

Course Objectives:

l. To understand the elements and services of ecosystems; emphasizing their biotic

and abiotic components.
2. To learn the major types of ecosystems with particular reference to Turkey and the
ecological factors responsible from their formation and particular distribution
patterns on earth.
3. To define the bases of plant and animal adaptation on land .
4. To understand the common threats to the ecosystems.
5. To understand human ecology
6. To learn the strategies dealing with ecosystem sustainability and prospective
management practices.

Expected Learning Outcomes :

This course provides the basis for understanding of the major types of biomes and
ecosystems as well as ecosystem services guaranteeing existence of life in the world.
Therefore, at the course end, students will be able to differentiate major types of
aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems with particular reference to Turkey, the common
threats and sustainability of these valuable asset . Further, the students should also gain
basic knowledge and skills in ecosystem conservation as well as understanding the
types of ecosystems found in Turkey.

Course Description :

Renewable natural resources that we consume in our daily life produced either by
terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems are explained in terms of ecological principles.
Intelligent management and use of these resources are possible only through full
understanding of the ecology of these ecosystems. The terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystems are discussed with particular reference to Turkey. The factors responsible
from biodiversity distribution patterns in the world and the way this valuable asset
being threatened are also explained along with the key conservation practices.

References:

1. Cox. C.B. and Moore. P.D.1994. Biogeography and ecological and evolutionary
approach. Blackwell Scientific Publ. Oxford. (U.K.)

2. Miller. G.T. 2017. Living in the Environment. 18th Edition, Thomson Learning.
London (Textbook of the course)

3. Molles. M.C. 1999. Ecology. Concepts and Application. Mc Graw-Hill

5. Smith,T.M., and Smith, R. L.2009. Elements of Ecology, Seventh Edition, Pearson

International Edition, Benjamin Cummings, New York.

Grading:

Student achievements will be evaluated on the bases of two midterms (50 %) and a
final examination (50%). A supplementary term paper will also be given to improve
student achievements in the midterms.

Extended Course Outline

1) Ecology, Environmental Problems, Their Causes and sustainability (Ch.1)

2) Ecosystems: Components, Energy Flow, and Matter Cycling (Ch. 4)
3) Evolution and Biodiversity: Origins, Niches, and Adaptation (Ch.5)
4) Biogeography: Climate, Biomes, and Terrestrial Biodiversity (Ch. 6)
5) Terrestrial Ecosystems (Smith Ch 23)
6) Aquatic Ecosystems (Smith Ch 24)
7) Costal and Wetland Ecosystems ( Smith Ch 25)
8) Community Ecology (Ch.8)
9) Population Dynamics, Carrying Capacity and Conservation Biology (Ch 9)
10) Geology: Processes, Hazards, and Soil (Ch 10)
11) Sustaining Wild Species (Ch 22)
12) Sustaining Terrestrial Biodiversity: The Ecosystem Approach (Ch 23)
13) Sustaining Aquatic Biodiversity (Ch 24)
14) Habitat Loss, Biodiversity and Conservation (Smith Ch 28)
15) Global Climate Change (Smith Ch 29)