The course explores temporal and spatial changes in ecosystems and their biological components. It aims to introduce students to the concepts of evolutionary adaptation of organisms and ecosystems, biotic interactions, and co-evolution, as well as the role of abiotic factors and human influence in shaping biodiversity and ecological communities. Emphasis is placed on understanding the evolutionary processes that govern the structure and function of ecosystems, through the lens of modern ecological and evolutionary theories.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles of ecosystem evolution across space and time
• Explain how organisms adapt evolutionarily to environmental changes
• Analyze co-evolutionary relationships between species (e.g., predation, parasitism, pollination)
• Assess the role of abiotic factors, such as climate, in the evolution of biodiversity
• Compare natural ecosystem evolution with changes driven by human activities
• Identify the ecological and evolutionary consequences of human impact on the environment