The general survey of literature is supplemented with detailed discussion of selected research papers of unusual importance and significance. 515 Conservation Biology Introductory lectures on ecological principles underlying biodiversity, dynamics of populations and ecosystems, the origin, maintenance, and loss of genetic variation, and causes of extinction and speciation. These and other topics developed in subsequent discussions and presentations. Examples include consequences of habitat fragmentation, theory and methodology of breeding of endangered species, and design criteria for nature preserves. The role of mathematical models as caricatures of reality.
Theory is confronted with the natural world where possible.
Tropical Ecology Intensive three-week field course during January or February in a suitable tropical locality. Readings, discussions, and individual projects. The content and location of the course will be varied to suit the needs of the participants. Students must provide their own travel funds. 522 Colloquium on the Biology of Populations Discussion of the central problems of population biology and approaches that have proved fruitful.