Biogeography and Distribution of Species

Course Description

This course will investigate themes found in the geographic distribution of species and communities. We will ask questions such as ‘how does climate change from the poles to the equator and how does that impact the distribution and coexistence of species?’ In lab we will focus on local habitat types and local species in the region surrounding Chicago (e.g., grasslands, woodland, aquatic habitats such as ponds/streams). We will examine various patterns in the distribution and abundance of the flora/fauna in local habitats over the course of 3 weeks through a combination of in class lectures and laboratory sessions, combined with field studies. Surveys will be made of local habitats for biogeographic comparisons of patterns of abundance with a focus on vegetation, rodents and aquatic and terrestrial insects.

Course Criteria

Instructor(s)

Eric Larsen