BI 103 Ecosystems

BI 103 topics: ecology, evolution and the classification and natural history of organisms. Only one BI 103 can be used to meet requirements for any Lane degree, regardless of the special course subjects which include: Bird Ecology, Ecosystems, Evolution and Diversity, Forest Ecology, Sea Birds & Mammals, and Wildflowers. Lab included.

Credits

4

General Education Requirements

Sci/Math/CS-Lab

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Interpret the phylogenetic relationships among organisms and arrange them on a phylogenetic tree. Relate a phylogenetic tree to the concept of biological evolution
2. Describe how biotic and abiotic components of the environment shape organismal traits through the process of natural selection
3. Evaluate the ecosystemic roles and selective advantages of organisms, populations, and communities
4. Diagram the flow of energy and matter through ecosystems
5. Relate patterns of population growth to ecosystem dynamics. Define sustainable resource use and describe the role of humans in ecosystems
6. Generate questions and construct testable hypotheses about biological mechanisms based on observations of the natural world
7. Work productively in teams with diverse perspectives