This subject is an introduction to the key ideas in the ecology of plants and animals. In presenting these ideas, the subject emphasises not only the ways in which they can be used to explain the distribution and abundance of species, but also their importance in helping us understand the causes of extinction and providing the scientific basis for management of species. Special emphasis is placed on the processes responsible for high diversity in tropical ecosystems. Topics include fertility and mortality; population dynamics and population regulation; life history strategies; interactions between species (competition, facilitation, predation, herbivory, parasitism); dynamics of communities; island biogeography; limits to the coexistence of species. Students will normally be expected to show proficiency in biometry before undertaking this subject.

Students will be required to attend lectures, practicals and tutorials in BZ2440 .