Bio. Sci. 16N - Modoc Plateau Ecology: Course Detail
(For official course listings, please consult the Sierra College online course catalog.)
(1.5 unit - approx. 45 hrs. min.)
Catalog Description: Field ecology of the volcanic landscapes found in the Modoc Plateau region of California/Oregon. Relationships between the physical environment and Modoc ecosystems will be stressed. Special areas of study includes introductions to: man's historic and current influences, forest ecology and forestry practices, abiotic factors: volcanic geology in forming landscapes, primary succession, & fresh-water marsh / waterfowl ecology. Study sites include Lava Beds National Monument and Tule Lake Wildlife Refuge.
(typical class outline might include:)
Specific Topics:
"Tree" (vascular plant) anatomy and physiology; Waterfowl biology and predator control (hawks, eagles, foxes, etc.); Volcanic geology - formation of Lava beds volcanic structures; Regional forestry needs, practices, effects and justifications; Cascade wildlife / cold desert ecology.
General Concepts and Topics to be emphasized:
Ecology - Ecosystem structure & function, energy flow; Food chains and webs (trophic levels); Food Production or gathering / (energy costs); Biogeochemical cycles - carbon cycle, cation exchange; Watersheds - rainfall (climate), weathering; Mycorrhizae (fungi and tree roots); Geomorphology - land forms, formation of rocks/mineral; Topography - aspect, slope, shade, soil formation; Vegetation types - classification; Aquatic habitats: Lakes and Pond biology; Community as a Functional Unit, Stability; Autotrophic succession & establishment of climax; Heterotrophic succession & mineral recycling; Primary & secondary succession; Seasonal cycles - aquatic environments; Carrying Capacity & limiting factors; Density Dependence & Independence; Predators & prey populations - interactions; Human Population Growth resource needs Conservation - Problems / solutions; Air Pollution -- (including acid rain)
(For official course listings, please consult the Sierra College online course catalog.)
Copyright 2002 Sierra College Biological Sciences Department
Last updated: 02/14/02.
