Biogeography

BIO

735

Biogeography

An introduction to the distribution of both terrestrial and aquatic animals and plants with emphasis on their prehistoric, historic, and present distributions and how these relate to the ecological conditions of the periods, methods of dispersal, and movement across the planet. Historical changes in scientific thought concerning the means of movement (e.g., land bridges, rafting, plate tectonics) are presented. The flora and fauna of unique regions of the Earth (e.g., Madagascar, Australia, South America, and Antarctica) will be examined for similarities and differences in their compositions. The effects of humans, early and present, on distribution are discussed.

Fall, Spring

Graduate

Yes

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