This course relies heavily on both classroom and field instruction to study the natural history of plant and animal taxa important in tropical habitats within the context of basic ecological and evolutionary principles. Topics range from behavioral and physiological adaptations of individual organisms to processes and patterns inherent in diverse assemblages of flora and fauna. At the end of the course, focus shifts to conservation biology, with an introduction to applications of island biogeography to conservation biology and the effects of deforestation and habitat fragmentation on losses of biodiversity. Students receive 1 credit or the equivalent of 4 semester hours from Duke University.
Field work is a frequent and important component of the course.
Students are thus introduced to a great diversity of habitats, each possessing distinctive biotas that, in turn, offer unique evolutionary settings and ecological adaptations. Field orientation at each site includes the identification and natural history of key plant and animal species. At two of the sites, students are required to design, conduct, and interpret independent research projects. Results of these projects are presented orally to the entire class following the protocol of a scientific meeting and in writing as a formal research report. Meals are taken as a group in central dining facilities.