The Ocean covers about 71% of the Earth's surface and so is obviously a huge part of the functioning biosphere. Life emerged in the Ocean but since we are terrestrial beings, Ocean life remains less well known than terrestrial life. This course serves as an overview of marine biodiversity and marine ecosystems in which the concepts learned in general biology courses can be applied to marine life. We will cover the abiotic functioning of the Ocean in order to understand the unique challenges that marine organisms face, and we will focus on an understanding of the diverse array of marine organisms, how they interact ecologically, and how humans are affecting marine ecosystems worldwide.
P: Biology 201/202 with at least a C grade, and Biology 203/204 with at least a C grade. REC: Env Sci 302
Spring Odd.