The objective of this course is to provide a strong and contemporary foundation in insect population, community and evolutionary ecology.
Insect ecology is a dynamic and relatively young field.
As a result, our understanding of the forces that limit population growth, shape community structure, and influence the rate of evolution of insect populations is rapidly expanding. Long held ideas are constantly being challenged and revised. The field of insect ecology is maturing as our world s natural resources become degraded and altered, perhaps irrevocably. At the same time, our agricultural and horticultural crops are being challenged by insect pests that are becoming more difficult and expensive to control. Calls for more ecologically based control measures are increasing.