Biogeography (BiSc 211)
Instructor: TBD
Number of Credits: 3
Level of instruction: graduate
Description:
This course provides a comprehensive survey of the current
methods and techniques used in biogeography, and the development of modern
biogeographic theory in the context of classical, ecological, and cladistic methods
of analysis. Geological and paleontological aspects of biogeography are
presented, and large-scale biogeographic patterns discussed. Coevolution is also
addressed because similar methods of analysis are used. The first part of the
course covers background information, methods, and issues in biogeography.
The second part of the course explores in seminar format particular subjects
in detail. The final part of the course focuses on recent case studies of
biogeographic analyses.
How often is the course offered: Fall Semester, odd years
What is the average enrollment: We anticipate an enrollment of 8-10 students each year.
How broad a student audience is served by the course: We anticipate an enrollment of graduate
students from GWU (departments of Biology, Genetics, and Anthropology) and University of Maryland
(Biology Departments).
Lecture Syllabus
Week 1
Physical geography, plate tectonics, climate, physical and biological limits to distributions
Week 2
Descriptive biogeography: broad-scale biogeographic patterns, endemism and diversity patterns
Week 3
Descriptive biogeography: MacArthur and Wilson, island biogeography and its application to conservation theory
Week 4
Interpretive biogeography: ecological and historical perspectives on biogeography, dispersal and vicariance, refugia, Component analysis
Week 5
Speciation and extinction, paleontology
Week 6
Parasite-host, plant-pollinator, and plant-herbivore coevolution
Week 7
Seminar- differing perspectives: ecological and cladistic biogeography, panbiogeography
Week 8
Seminar- analyses of coevolution
Week 9
Seminar- role of paleontological data
Week 10
Seminar- case studies
Week 11
Seminar- case studies
Week 12
Seminar- case studies
Week 13
Seminar- case studies
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