Ecobiology 2 (Regional Ecosystems)
This course, which is a continuation of Ecology, will examine and explore one of the most unique, diverse, and incredible biomes on the Earth: the Sonoran Desert. It will cover the evolution and development of the biome, ranging from the Arizona Upland and the Sky Islands down to the Sea of Cortez. Also, we will focus on the phylogenetic classification and adaptations of various taxonomic groups of species within each of the distinct ecoregions of the Sonoran Desert and Sea of Cortez, as well as how these species and their habitats are being threatened and conserved by human activities. The goal is to develop a deep understanding and appreciation of the singularly unique ecoregion that we may take for granted due to its familiarity.
Unit One: How are Species Classified?
Objectives:
Understand the fundamental characteristics of kingdoms of organisms on both a large-scale and cellular level. Investigate the history of taxonomy and the relatedness of different taxa, the science of phylogeny, understand cladograms and modern forms of classification; overview of the fungal kingdom as a case study
Handouts/ Materials:
Course Syllabus, 'Kingdoms and Domains', 'Modern Evolutionary Classification', 'Phyla in the Animal Kingdom', Taxonomy Project Guidelines, 'Introduction to the Kingdom Fungi'
Assignments/ Activities:
View microscope slides of each kingdom, Taxonomic Groupings Activity, Taxonomy Questions, Taxonomy Project, Binder Check 1, Unit Quiz One, Introduction to the Kingdom Fungi Questions
Supplementary Links:
How slime molds form memories despite having no brain
OneZoom Tree of Life Explorer
Catalogue of Life species database
Tree of Life Web Project
Animal Diversity Web
Helpful video on explaining cladograms and phylogenetic trees
Six bizarre things about fungi
Why did magic mushrooms evolve 'magic'?
Some frogs may be developing a chytrid fungus resistance
The Tree of Heaven is a hellish invasive species. Could a fungus save the day?
It turns out lichen is a trio, not a pair
What's in a lichen? How scientists got it wrong for over 150 years
How parasitic cordyceps fungi control their hosts
How a carnivorous mushroom poisons its prey
Genetically engineered fungi used to kill mosquitoes
A wild discovery about fungi just changed Earth's evolutionary timeline
Fungi are critical for our survival. Are we doing enough to protect them?
Supplementary Films:
Objectives:
Understand the fundamental characteristics of kingdoms of organisms on both a large-scale and cellular level. Investigate the history of taxonomy and the relatedness of different taxa, the science of phylogeny, understand cladograms and modern forms of classification; overview of the fungal kingdom as a case study
Handouts/ Materials:
Course Syllabus, 'Kingdoms and Domains', 'Modern Evolutionary Classification', 'Phyla in the Animal Kingdom', Taxonomy Project Guidelines, 'Introduction to the Kingdom Fungi'
Assignments/ Activities:
View microscope slides of each kingdom, Taxonomic Groupings Activity, Taxonomy Questions, Taxonomy Project, Binder Check 1, Unit Quiz One, Introduction to the Kingdom Fungi Questions
Supplementary Links:
How slime molds form memories despite having no brain
OneZoom Tree of Life Explorer
Catalogue of Life species database
Tree of Life Web Project
Animal Diversity Web
Helpful video on explaining cladograms and phylogenetic trees
Six bizarre things about fungi
Why did magic mushrooms evolve 'magic'?
Some frogs may be developing a chytrid fungus resistance
The Tree of Heaven is a hellish invasive species. Could a fungus save the day?
It turns out lichen is a trio, not a pair
What's in a lichen? How scientists got it wrong for over 150 years
How parasitic cordyceps fungi control their hosts
How a carnivorous mushroom poisons its prey
Genetically engineered fungi used to kill mosquitoes
A wild discovery about fungi just changed Earth's evolutionary timeline
Fungi are critical for our survival. Are we doing enough to protect them?
Supplementary Films:
|
|
Unit Two: The Sonoran Desert Bioregion
Objectives:
Overview of the Sonoran Desert and surrounding ecosystems, including its distinct biomes and communities, geologic origin, and physical geography; understand the concept of life zones, survey the characteristics of the Sky Islands bioregion
Handouts/ Materials:
'Biomes and Communities in the Sonoran Desert Region', 'The Deep History of the Sonoran Desert', 'Sky Islands of North America', Sky Islands Species Profile Project Guidelines
Assignments/ Activities:
Biomes and Communities in the Sonoran Desert Region Reading Activity, Sonoran Desert Graphic Organizer, The Deep History of the Sonoran Desert Questions, Mapping the Sonoran Desert Activity, Sky Islands of North America Questions, Sky Islands Species Profile Project, Binder Check 2, Midterm Exam
Supplementary Links:
Trying to solve the mystery of the Baja Peninsula and its species
Saguaro cactuses are under threat because of climate change
Supplementary Films:
Objectives:
Overview of the Sonoran Desert and surrounding ecosystems, including its distinct biomes and communities, geologic origin, and physical geography; understand the concept of life zones, survey the characteristics of the Sky Islands bioregion
Handouts/ Materials:
'Biomes and Communities in the Sonoran Desert Region', 'The Deep History of the Sonoran Desert', 'Sky Islands of North America', Sky Islands Species Profile Project Guidelines
Assignments/ Activities:
Biomes and Communities in the Sonoran Desert Region Reading Activity, Sonoran Desert Graphic Organizer, The Deep History of the Sonoran Desert Questions, Mapping the Sonoran Desert Activity, Sky Islands of North America Questions, Sky Islands Species Profile Project, Binder Check 2, Midterm Exam
Supplementary Links:
Trying to solve the mystery of the Baja Peninsula and its species
Saguaro cactuses are under threat because of climate change
Supplementary Films:
|
|
Unit Three: Sonoran Desert Species
Objectives:
Look at taxonomic characteristics and strategies for survival in the Sonoran Desert among different groups of organisms, including arthropods and vertebrates, understand the influence of riparian areas, waterways, and other factors on species density and diversity
Handouts/ Materials:
'Introduction to the Phylum Arthropoda', 'Introduction to the Chordata', 'Case Studies in Desert Plant and Animal Adaptations', 'The Sonoran Desert Tortoise', Sonoran Desert Species Profile Project Guidelines
Assignments/ Activities:
Phylum Arthropoda Questions, Life in the Undergrowth: Invasion of the Land Questions, Life in the Undergrowth: Supersocieties Questions, Phylum Chordata Questions, Sonoran Desert Species Graphic Organizer, Sonoran Desert Species Profile Project, Binder Check 3, Unit Quiz Two
Supplementary Links:
What scallops' eyes can teach us about the evolution of vision
These neon shrimp are the bees of the sea
All the ways that spiders use silk
Ants and humans have a lot in common when waging war
Supplementary Films:
Objectives:
Look at taxonomic characteristics and strategies for survival in the Sonoran Desert among different groups of organisms, including arthropods and vertebrates, understand the influence of riparian areas, waterways, and other factors on species density and diversity
Handouts/ Materials:
'Introduction to the Phylum Arthropoda', 'Introduction to the Chordata', 'Case Studies in Desert Plant and Animal Adaptations', 'The Sonoran Desert Tortoise', Sonoran Desert Species Profile Project Guidelines
Assignments/ Activities:
Phylum Arthropoda Questions, Life in the Undergrowth: Invasion of the Land Questions, Life in the Undergrowth: Supersocieties Questions, Phylum Chordata Questions, Sonoran Desert Species Graphic Organizer, Sonoran Desert Species Profile Project, Binder Check 3, Unit Quiz Two
Supplementary Links:
What scallops' eyes can teach us about the evolution of vision
These neon shrimp are the bees of the sea
All the ways that spiders use silk
Ants and humans have a lot in common when waging war
Supplementary Films:
|
|
Unit Four: The Sea of Cortez Bioregion and Species
Objectives:
Analyze the geography, oceanography, and marine ecology of the Sea of Cortez, as well as its influence on the Sonoran Desert region, look at the characteristics and adaptations of different species of marine organisms
Handouts/ Materials:
'Ecology of the Northern Gulf', 'Tide Pool Ecology', 'Vertebrate Adaptations in the Sea of Cortez', Sea of Cortez Species Profile Project Guidelines
Assignments/ Activities:
Ecology of the Northern Gulf Questions, Intertidal Zone Image Viewing, Tide Pool Ecology Graphic Organizer, Ocean Wonders: Encountering Sea Monsters Questions, Blue Planet: The Deep Questions, Sea of Cortez Species Profile Project, Binder Check 4, Final Exam, Course Evaluation
Supplementary Links:
Good website on the Gulf and its ecology
Good video on the ecology and conservation of the Sea of Cortez
Photos from the Sky Islands trip to CEDO in Puerto Penasco
Sea of Cortez Invertebrate Database
The mysteries of the octopus
Supplementary Films:
Objectives:
Analyze the geography, oceanography, and marine ecology of the Sea of Cortez, as well as its influence on the Sonoran Desert region, look at the characteristics and adaptations of different species of marine organisms
Handouts/ Materials:
'Ecology of the Northern Gulf', 'Tide Pool Ecology', 'Vertebrate Adaptations in the Sea of Cortez', Sea of Cortez Species Profile Project Guidelines
Assignments/ Activities:
Ecology of the Northern Gulf Questions, Intertidal Zone Image Viewing, Tide Pool Ecology Graphic Organizer, Ocean Wonders: Encountering Sea Monsters Questions, Blue Planet: The Deep Questions, Sea of Cortez Species Profile Project, Binder Check 4, Final Exam, Course Evaluation
Supplementary Links:
Good website on the Gulf and its ecology
Good video on the ecology and conservation of the Sea of Cortez
Photos from the Sky Islands trip to CEDO in Puerto Penasco
Sea of Cortez Invertebrate Database
The mysteries of the octopus
Supplementary Films:
|
|