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Mass and Energy Balances of Biomass Production

Objectives

Acquisition of knowledge, ability and expertise (1) Energy transfer, ecosystems productivity and characterization of ecosystems dynamics; (2) Interaction between the biomass production and the dynamics of biogeochemical cycles.

General characterization

Code

8456

Credits

6.0

Responsible teacher

Ana Luísa Almaça da Cruz Fernando

Hours

Weekly - 4

Total - 56

Teaching language

Português

Prerequisites

Basic background on ecology.

Bibliography

A. Beeby (1993) Applying Ecology, Springer, 456 p

 E. I. Newman (2001) Applied Ecology & Environmental Management, 2nd Edition, Wiley-Blackwell Inc., 396 p

 G.R. McPherson, Stephen DeStefano (2003) Applied Ecology and Natural Resource Management, CambridgeUniversity Press, 180 p

J. P. Grime (2002) Plant Strategies, Vegetation Processes and Ecosystem Properties, 2nd Edition, Wiley, 456 p

 

Teaching method

Theoretical sessions with datashow. Theoretical-practical sessions for solving problems. Case study presentations.

Evaluation method

Continuous Assessment:

Theoretical Component

Component A Assessment: 1 test, T1 (25% of final grade).

Component B Assessment: Monograph or test (25% of final grade).

Practical Component: 2 practical assignments, TPA and TPB, each with a 25% grade.

Final Grade: 0.25*T1+0.25*TPA+0.25*TPB+0.25 T2 or Monograph 2

Pass with a minimum grade of 9.5 points (20-point scale).

Students who do not pass the continuous assessment may take the exam.

Pass with a minimum grade of 9.5 points (20-point scale).

Students wishing to improve their grade in the course must register for improvement during the exam period. Only theoretical components can be assessed in the  exam.

Subject matter

1. Levels of organization of the biological structures and the respective interaction on biocenose. Production and productivity. Global balance of energy on Earth.

2. Energy transfer and ecosystems productivity. Biomass and energy transfer. Primary (gross and net) and secondary productivity.

3. Ecosystems dynamics. Structural modifications. Mankind interventions for the development of maximum productivity.

4. Productivity and biomass on the biosphere ecosystems. Oceans and forests (decidous temperate, rain tropical, boreal, steppees, savannas).

5. Biogeochemical cycles: carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur, phosphorous and hydrologic.