BIOL 137. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning

Can the current decline in global biodiversity alter the functioning and stability of ecosystems? The answer to this question can be reached by evaluating the ecological consequences of changing patterns in biodiversity, through either extinction or addition of species. We will review the relative or specific role of extrinsic factors (climate, disturbance, soils, etc.), genetic, taxonomic, and functional diversity in ecosystem functioning using both experimental and natural evidence.
Prerequisite: BIOL 002 and one Group III intermediate Biology course (BIOL 03x or BIOL 13x level) or permission of the instructor.
Natural sciences and engineering.
1 credit.
Eligible for ENVS, GLBL-core
Spring 2023. Machado.
Catalog chapter: Biology
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology

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