Forests: An Introduction to Ecology and Evolution
S06, F06
Kerry Woods
Ecology and evolution address organisms in habitat and function of natural systems. We will use the forest ecosystems that dominate Bennington’s landscape to develop tools applicable in the study of any ecosystem. How has evolution shaped the architectures of our native trees? How have these systems responded to a history of glaciation, climate change, fire, wind, and human clearance? Do herbivores and carnivores shape the plant community, or vice versa? Are forests ‘sinks’ or ‘sources’ of greenhouse gases? Is Lyme disease caused by ticks, deer, mice, oak trees, bacteria, passenger pigeons, gypsy moths, suburbanization, or all of the above? This course is for anyone interested in how natural systems—plants and animals—work and a thoughtful observation of nature; no prerequisites are required. The class is appropriate preparation for more advanced work in biology. Students will work with quantitative data. Lab includes fieldwork. There will be at least one weekend field trip.