Ecology

Biology.

Teaching is carried out by active learning techniques, study cases, and hands-on learning. Theoretical knowlegle is provided in student-centered-learning. Subjects are further explored by group research and presentation of the information to the colleagues and through practical work in the field and in the laboratory.

1. Identify the large-scale patterns of climatic variation and their influence on the establishment of the various terrestrial biomes.

2. Describe the influence of abiotic factors on organisms.

3. Recognize the patterns of abundance, distribution, dynamics and growth of populations.

4. Describe the interactions among individuals and populations.

5. Recognize the factors influencing the diversity of communities and quantify that diversity.

6. Contrast the movements of energy and nutrients in ecosystems.

7. Describe the effects of human activities in ecosystems.

1. Introduction: What is Ecology.

2. Life on land. 2.1 Large-Scale Patterns of Climatic Variation, 2.2 Soils, 2.3 Terrestrial Biomes.

3. Individuals and abiotic factors: 3.1 Temperature relations, 3.2 Water relations.

4. Populations: 4.1. Distribution and abundance, 4.2. Dinamics, 4.3 Growth.

5. Interactions: 5.1 Competition, 5.2 Exploitation: predation, herbivory, parasitism and disease, 5.3 Mutualism, 5.4 Commensalism e amensalism.

6. Communities: 6.1 Species abundance and diversity. 6.2 Food webs.

7. Ecosystems: 7.1 Biogeochemical cycles, 7.2 Ecological succession.

NAO

Begon M, Townsend CR & Harper JL (2006) Ecology: From Individuals to Ecosystems. Blackwell Publishing, Malden. Part 2. Species Interactions, Part 3. Communities and Ecosystems.

Bernardo JM (1995) Ecologia das populações e das comunidades. Universidade Aberta, Lisboa. Cap. 1-2.

Carapeto C (1994) Ecologia – princípios e conceitos. Universidade Aberta, Lisboa. Introdução; Cap. 1-3.

Molles, MC Jr. & Sher, AA (2019) Ecology: Concepts and applications. 8ª edição. McGraw-Hill Education, New York. Cap. 1-; 5-7; 9-12; 13-15; 16-17; 19-20.