Dec 01 2010
Note: This was posted by WillW in the other class-might be helpful as we did not assign a scribe that day. The Isle Royale simulation in class points out the significance of free population growth, the presence of predators, and the availability of food in an ecosystem. The three simulations that we did focus on [...]
Nov 01 2010
Most of our prior studies have been focused on the components that make up our world, but, in reality, the world isn’t made up of individual components, but rather of one complex whole. While categories are useful to understand subject matter, the planet operates as a complex network of interlinked systems. This is the reason [...]
Oct 07 2010
This 18-minute video was made by me a few years ago. While it is a bit grainy, it covers the major field research techniques I try to show students at Davidson each year. It’s mandatory viewing if you did not go, and a good review if you did: You can also check out Jason’s post [...]
Oct 06 2010
Here is the slide deck from today’s class on succession. Remember: 1. Succession involves more than just a change in producers. 2. A climax community is not necessarily the outcome of a linear progression. 3. A little disturbance ain’t so bad, it just “resets” succession (and might increase biodiversity). Oh, and here are a few [...]
Sep 28 2010
Today I elaborated on some good examples of keystone species (population control and engineer type) as well as introducing the term foundation species…this short slide show goes with the handout you can download from “the box.” Keystone and Foundation Species View more presentations from Derrick Willard.
Sep 23 2010
The basis of our discussion today…hope it clears up “relationship issues” in ecological communities: Species interactions View more presentations from Derrick Willard.
Sep 22 2010
Today’s class was dedicated to ecology. We started class by defining the levels of life. Here is what we found (most inclusive is on the top and least inclusive on the bottom): 1. Biosphere: the sphere of life 2. Biome (*place): many different types of ecosystems; ex: desert, rainforest 3. Ecosystem: Place and community (and [...]
