This is a course in ecology and evolution. Ecology can be viewed as the theater within which the evolutionary play takes place. Evolution cannot be understood in the absence of ecology and ecology cannot be understood without evolution. Both are essential for a complete understanding of virtually all facets of biology.
Humans are part of and depend on the earth's ecosystems.
In order to be able to make intelligent and informed decisions, everyone needs to have a basic understanding of how ecosys tems work, and how to humans affect ecosystems and the biosphere. First and foremost, we want to teach you to think like an ecologist . We will, of course, teach you some basic facts, but if you at all normal you are likely to forget most of these in a few years. However, if we are successful, you should leave this course having permanently changed how you analyze biological and envi ronmental problems. We also assume a solid background in high school algebra.