BIOL 108L PZ -Foundations of Tropical Ecology

Institution: Pitzer College

Description: This course explores major themes in tropical marine and terrestrial ecology through class lectures and discussion, significant fieldwork in various locations around Costa Rica and Panama, and individual and group projects. Students will observe and explore a gradient of tropical marine ecosystems, including mangrove forest and seagrass communities, coral reefs, and tropical stream systems, in order to understand their ecological properties, impacts, and conservation efforts. Students will also use the Firestone Center for Restoration Ecology (FCRE) as a base to study Costa Rica’s natural history, the structure of a terrestrial lowland rainforest, and principles of ecological restoration, including natural regeneration, seed dispersal, and adaptive management. Restricted to students in the Pitzer in Costa Rica semester study abroad program.