(Course Code: 125KEY, Course outline)
(Course Code: 125KEY, Course outline)
Semester: | 5 | Teaching Credits: | 6 | ECTS Credits: | 7 | Type: |
Optional Compulsory |
|
Prerequisite Courses: | – | Course type: | Special background | Instructor: | Akriotis Triantaphyllos |
Description of the structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems and their living organisms, as well as of their interactions. The understanding of the following topics: global vegetation zones (biomes), vegetation zones in Greece, productivity, soil, vegetation, fauna and flora, organisms on land in relation to abiotic (temperature, humidity, pH, snow, light) and biotic factors (predation, competition, symiosis and other interactions).
Weekly topics: |
1. Intoduction, temperature, humidity 2. Global vegetation zones and ecosystems 3. Vegetation zones in Greece 4. Conditions: general. Temperature: general. 5. Ectotherms: regulation mechanisms 6. Endotherms: regulation mechanisms 7. Endotherm metabolism and energy balance. Metabolic rate and body size. 8. Temperature effects on population and species distribution. Humidity, snow, pH 9. Temperature as a stimulus – Light as a stimulus 10. Photosynthesis, compensation points. Photosynthetic energy balance and productivity 11. Resources: introduction. Defense mechanisms of plants and animals. 12. Grazing: effects on organisms, species and ecosystems. 13. Social systems in animals – space as a resource: territories and social systems. Laboratory exercises: 1. Field trip: forest ecosystems |
Theory – Lectures (hours / week): |
6 |
Exercises – Laboratories (hours / week): |
5 hours in 1 session |
Other Activities: | – |
Grading: | Final examination |
Notes: | Lecture notes, powerpoint presentations |
Basic Textbook: |
|
Language: | The course is taught in Greek. For exchange students, English literature is proposed and examinations are given in English. |
Internet Links: | – |
Department of Environment
“Xenia” Building
University Hill
81100 Mytilene
Lesvos, Greece
Τηλ.: 22510 36200,
22510 36202
Fax: 22510 36209
E-mail: secr-env@aegean.gr