NCP-20306 Ecology of Communities, Ecosystems and Landscapes

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

Lectures and tutorials (2 credits) give insight in processes responsible for changes in structure and species composition of communities, ecosystems and landscapes. Excursions (2 credits) show how Dutch landscapes and plant communities are determined by ecological processes and management.

Aims:

Insight in:
1. relations between biotic and abiotic processes in ecosystems and landscapes: competition and other species interactions, carbon and nutrient cycling in ecosystems and consequences for vegetation succession
2. relations between species characteristics and the functioning of ecosystems and landscapes
3. threats to biodiversity, ecological background of nature management measures and policy, 4. the use of ecological models
5. the role of spatial relations with respect to changes in ecosystems and landscapes.

Activities:

Lectures, self-study, exercises during tutorials, excursions

Examination:

A written exam on lectures and tutorials; short written exam on the excursions

Literature:

Reader is available in the WUR-shop