BSCI 494 : Animal - Plant Interactions
BSCI 494 : Animal - Plant Interactions
SYLLABUS
The biology, behavior and ecology of most animals are determined by their interactions with plants and visa versa. This course provides an understanding of the ways in which plants and animals influence each other. Examples will be presented that illustrate both positive and negative ecological interactions between plants and animals and their underlying mechanisms. The body of theory that has been developed to explain patterns of animal-plant interactions will be discussed as will the applied consequences of the interactions.
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
The course is designed to:
Drs. Pedro Barbosa
phone : 301.405.3946
CREDIT
Three Credits; Two lectures a week (1 hour and 15 minutes each).
REQUIRED TEXT
Howe, H. F. and L. C. Westley. 1988. Ecological Relationships of Plants and Animals . Oxford University Press. Oxford, U.K.
In addition, a packet of required readings from primary research journals will be made available to students.
TERM PAPER DESCRIPTION AND REQUIREMENTS
The term paper is meant to help students develop a more intensive understanding of a question or concept of their choice. The objective is to stimulate thought and critical evaluation of research literature on animal-plant interactions. The paper will provide an introduction to the question or issue to be considered, a synthesis and analysis of ideas and arguments found in the literature, and the conclusions drawn by the student after his/her analysis.
LECTURE TOPICS
I. Introduction to Course.
II. Introduction to Animal-plant Interactions
III. Evolutionary and Phylogenetic Perspectives on Animal-plant Interactions
IV. Influence of Plants on Herbivores (Evolutionary Scale)
V. Impact of Plants on Herbivores (Ecological Scale)
VI. Consequences of Changes in Plant Productivity, Abundance and Distribution to Herbivore Populations and Communities
VII. Responses of Herbivores to Plants
VIII. Influence of Herbivores on Plants (Evolutionary Scale)
IX. Impact of Herbivores on Plants (Ecological Scale)
X. Responses of Plants to Herbivores
XI. Antagonistic Animal-plant Interactions
XII. Mutualistic Animal-plant Interactions
XIII. Applied Perspectives: Agroecology and Conservation
SYLLABUS
The biology, behavior and ecology of most animals are determined by their interactions with plants and visa versa. This course provides an understanding of the ways in which plants and animals influence each other. Examples will be presented that illustrate both positive and negative ecological interactions between plants and animals and their underlying mechanisms. The body of theory that has been developed to explain patterns of animal-plant interactions will be discussed as will the applied consequences of the interactions.
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
The course is designed to:
- Introduce students to ecological and evolutionary perspectives on the interactions between plants and animals.
- Review the theoretical underpinnings of animal-plant interactions.
- Expose students to research literature on animal-plant interactions.
- Explore the applied consequences of animal-plant interactions to agroecology and conservation.
- Provide an opportunity to undertake original research on animal-plant interactions.
Drs. Pedro Barbosa
phone : 301.405.3946
CREDIT
Three Credits; Two lectures a week (1 hour and 15 minutes each).
REQUIRED TEXT
Howe, H. F. and L. C. Westley. 1988. Ecological Relationships of Plants and Animals . Oxford University Press. Oxford, U.K.
In addition, a packet of required readings from primary research journals will be made available to students.
TERM PAPER DESCRIPTION AND REQUIREMENTS
The term paper is meant to help students develop a more intensive understanding of a question or concept of their choice. The objective is to stimulate thought and critical evaluation of research literature on animal-plant interactions. The paper will provide an introduction to the question or issue to be considered, a synthesis and analysis of ideas and arguments found in the literature, and the conclusions drawn by the student after his/her analysis.
LECTURE TOPICS
I. Introduction to Course.
II. Introduction to Animal-plant Interactions
III. Evolutionary and Phylogenetic Perspectives on Animal-plant Interactions
IV. Influence of Plants on Herbivores (Evolutionary Scale)
V. Impact of Plants on Herbivores (Ecological Scale)
VI. Consequences of Changes in Plant Productivity, Abundance and Distribution to Herbivore Populations and Communities
VII. Responses of Herbivores to Plants
VIII. Influence of Herbivores on Plants (Evolutionary Scale)
IX. Impact of Herbivores on Plants (Ecological Scale)
X. Responses of Plants to Herbivores
XI. Antagonistic Animal-plant Interactions
XII. Mutualistic Animal-plant Interactions
XIII. Applied Perspectives: Agroecology and Conservation
