Ecology
Objectives
a) To Understand the importance of temporal and spatial variation of ecological factors;
b) To identify the main limiting ecological factors in the diverse ecological systems;
c) To Relate biocenoses to ecological factors;
d) To know the bioclimatic mosaic of the Globe;
e) To Recognize natural and anthropogenic disturbances in the dynamics of ecosystems;
f) To Reflect on major environmental problems.
General characterization
Code
01100781
Credits
6.0
Responsible teacher
Maria José Leitão Barroso Roxo
Hours
Weekly - 4
Total - 168
Teaching language
Portuguese
Prerequisites
None
Bibliography
Bailey, R.(2009). Ecoregions - The Ecosystem Geography of the Oceans and Continents (2nd ed.). New York: Springer.
Carapeto, C. (1994). Ecologia. Princípios e conceitos. Lisboa: Universidade Aberta
Demangeot, J. (2000). Os Meios Naturais do Globo. Lisboa: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian.
Mitsh, W.J., Gosselink, J.G (2000). Wetlands (3ª ed.). New York: Wiley.
Odum, E. P. (2001). Fundamentos de Ecologia (6ª ed.). Lisboa: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian.
Ramade, F. (2003). Elements d’Ecologie. Ecologie fondamentale (3ª ed.). Paris: Dunod.
Soromenho-Marques, V. (2010). O ambiente na Encruzilhada. Por um Futuro sustentável. Lisboa: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian e Esfera do Caos.
Teaching method
Theory expositive classes, where the program topics are presented and debated with the students
Practical classes to prepare and support a research work (maximum 3 elements) about a issue related with the program topics. It is required to present a case study.
Evaluation method
Evaluation Method - Participation in a research work, with oral presentation(40%), Reading a set of selected texts, whose contents shall be evaluated through a written test(60%)
Subject matter
1) Introduction: Concepts and Definitions
2) Constituents of the natural environment
3) Ecological factors and their influence on living beings
4) Populations, Biocenoses and Ecosystems
5) Bioclimatic Mosaic of the Planet
6) Anthropogenic influence on the natural environment
7) Imbalances, disturbances and readjustments in the dynamics of ecosystems
8) Current environmental problems