The aim of this course is to provide students the knowledge of how climatic, geological, hydrological, morphological, physical, chemical and biological factors affect aquatic ecosystems, determining its structure and functioning. Students will learn the physical and chemical aspects of aquatic systems and the ecological strategies and adaptations of aquatic organisms. At the end of the course students should be able to apply the general ecological concepts to aquatic ecosystems in order to analyze its functioning and the impact of human activities, enabling them to participate in the management / conservation / restoration of these ecosystems.
1. Properties of water and the water cycle. Distribution of light, heat and chemicals;
2. Abiotic characteristics and adaptation of organisms. Individual requirements, abiotic factors, resources and energy use;
3. Freshwater ecosystems. Definition, types and wetland hydrology. Characterization and classification of rivers and streams. River-catchment Interaction. Origin, morphology and physical structure of lakes. Lacustrine habitats;
4. The Ocean. Zonation. Marine productivity, coastal upwelling. Coastal processes: coastal drift, erosion and deposition;
5. Biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems;
6. Biotic interactions: competition, herbivory, predation, parasitism and symbiosis. Food webs;
7. Structure of communities, species richness and diversity;
8. General approach to ecosystems. Primary and secondary productivity. Energy flow and nutrient dynamics. Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Seasonal succession. Anthropogenic disturbance.
Teaching encompasses theoretical-practical, laboratory classes and field trips. The theoretical-practical classes include expository component and are scheduled to direct the student to the fundamental aspects of the abiotic and biotic components in order to understand the general patterns of functioning of aquatic ecosystems. Examples of various types of ecosystems will be analyzed and discussed. Consolidation, integration and application of acquired knowledge will be deepened and achieved in practical classes, through observation of samples and experimentation. Teaching will promote active learning encouraging students to participate in lessons by volunteering answers or asking questions, allowing the discussion in class and the consolidation of acquired knowledge.
Brönmark C., Hansson L.-A. 2005. The Biology of Lakes and Ponds, 2 ed. Oxford University Press, New York, 285 pp.
Dodds W.K., Whiles M.R. 2010. Freshwater Ecology: Concepts and Environmental Applications of Limnology. Academic Press, Amsterdam, 811 pp.
Goreau T.J., Kent R. (Eds) 2012. Trench Innovative methods of marine ecosystem restoration. CRC Press, Boca Raton, 312 pp.
Lampert W., Sommer U. 1997. Limnoecology: The Ecology of Lakes and Streams. Oxford University Press, New York, 382 pp.
Levinton J.S. 2011. Marine biology : function, biodiversity, ecology. Oxford University Press, New York, 588 pp.
Maitland P.S., Morgan N.C. 2001. Conservation management of freshwater habitats: lakes, rivers and wetlands. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston, 233 pp.
Mann K., Lazier J. 2006. Dynamics of Marine Ecosystems: Biological-Physical Interactions in the Oceans. Blackwell Publishing, Maldwel, 491 pp.
Wetzel R.G., Likens G.E. 1991. Limnological Analyses, 2nd Ed. Springer-Verlag, New-York, 391 pp
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