Ecology and the bio-diversity of the Oceans

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Objectives

The main goals of this course are:

1. To understand the biodiversity concept, its interdisciplinary (biology, ecology, economics and law), limitations, and critical analysis

2. To know the main taxonomic groups of organisms of the oceans and their ecological, and economic importance:

3. To know the main types of ocean ecosystems and global and regional importance:

4. To understand the main current threats to marine biodiversity and know the main international projects and organizations that are important in the management of marine biodiversity

5. To know to relate biodiversity to the functioning of marine ecosystems.

Program

1. Marine Biodiversity:

1.1. Introductory notions

1.2. Speciation, evolution and systematics (taxonomy and nomenclature)

1.3. Main types of organisms in the oceans:

1.3.1. Autotrophic and marine microorganisms

1.3.2. Invertebrates

1.3.3 Vertebrates: Fish, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals

2. Ecology of the Oceans:

2.1. Basic notions

2.2. Photosynthetic ecosystems:

2.2.1. Ecosystems benthic and pelagic

2.2.2. Tropical ecosystems: coral reefs and mangroves

2.2.3. Ecosystems depth: slopes, abyssal plains, seamounts, deepsea corals, hadal trenches

2.3. Chemosynthetic ecosystems:

2.3.1. Hydrothermal vents

2.3.2. Cold seeps

2.3.3. Other: matter in decomposition and OMZ

3. Marine Ecosystem Functioning

3.1. Basic notions

3.2. Measure and calculate BEF

4. Marine Biogeography

4.1. Historical aspects

4.2. Marine biogeographical regions

5. Genetic Biodiversity

5.1. Major genetic diversity indicators

5.2. Advantages and disadvantages

Teaching Methodologies

The contents will be explained during the classes, trough explanatory talks using dynamic visual presentations, including videos, and exhibition of biological specimens from collections. Explanatory and interrogative methods will be employed to keep the attention and participation of students.

The most relevant literature will be provided after the classes through the e-learning platform Moodle, which will also be used off-line in order to answer questions and/or give further information.

Some topics will be explored in more detail through a group work to be carried out autonomously after the classes, but that will be reviewed during classes, ie by tutorials. The themes of these works will be proposed by the teacher, but students may also suggest comparable themes that are more of their concern.

Bibliography

Geral:

Bouchet, P., 2006. The magnitude of marine biodiversity, In: Duarte, C. (Ed.) (2006). The Exploration of Marine Biodiversity: Scientific and Technological Challenges. pp. 31-62.

Castro, P. & M.E. Huber, 2013. Marine Biology. 9thd Ed. Mc.Graw-Hill Publishers, Boston.

Greene, T.F., 2005. Marine Science. Marine Biology and Oceanography. AMSCO School Publication, Inc. NY.

Herring, P., 2002. The Biology of the Deep Ocean. Series Biology of Habitats. Oxford Univ. Press.

Mora, C. et al., 2011. How many species are there on Earth and in the Ocean? PLoS, 9 (8): 8 pp.

Roberts, C. et al., 2002. Marine Biodiversity Hotspots and Conservation Priorities for Tropical Reefs. Sci., 295 (15 Fev.): 1280-1284

Segar D.A., 2012. Introduction to Ocean Sciences. 3rd ed. Author Edition.

Em cada aula será ainda fornecida aos alunos bibliografia específica sobre o tema.

Code

0200886

ECTS Credits

4

Classes

  • Teóricas - 30 hours

Evaluation Methodology

  • Attendance and class participation: 15%
  • Frequency: 45%
  • Group work: 40%