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Introductory Ecology
Prof. Ido Izhaki
Course goals: “Introductory Ecology” is a one-semester introduction to
ecological thought and principles discussing the many factors that influence
the distribution and abundance of organisms. We will examine both biotic
(living) and abiotic (non-living) elements of the environment that influence the
distribution and abundance of organisms. The course covers topics in the
areas of individual, population, community, and ecosystem ecology, as well as
mankind’s effect on natural systems. This course is designed for anyone
interested in ecology, both majors and non-majors.
Detailed Program:
Class number
Topic
1
Introduction
2
Factors that limit distribution & abundance
3
Limiting factors, habitat, ecological niche
4
Population: Population growth, intraspecific competition,
growth regulation
5
Interactions: Interspecific competition
6
Interactions: Predation, predator-prey cycles
7
Community: structure, biodiversity
8
Community: spatial and temporal factors
9
Ecosystem: Primary production
10
Ecosystem: Energy flow, biomass, transit time
11
Ecosystem: Nutrient factors, nutrient cycles, Carbon cycle
Nitrogen cycle, Sulfate cycle
12
Ecosystem: Nitrogen cycle, Sulfate cycle
13
Biosphere: Global climate changes
Textbooks:
1. Begon, M., Harper, J.L. and Townsend, C.R. 1996/2000/2004 Ecology:
Individuals, Populations and Communities. Oxford: Blackwell Science.
2. Krebs, C.J. 2001. Ecology: The Experimental Analysis of Distribution and
Abundance. San Francisco : Benjamin Cummings.
3. Ricklefs R.E. 2000. Ecology. New York : W.H. Freeman & Co.