EG 0396 - Marine Ecology

Students will learn about the properties of marine communities and about the processes that affect the abundance and distribution of marine organisms. Students will be introduced to the most important topics in marine ecology, such as larval supply, succession, disturbance, trophic cascades, facilitation and, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. In addition, we will discuss the influence of upwelling and climate change on marine communities. We will also review the ecology of the main marine habitats present in the Galápagos, such as seamounts and hydrothermal vents, rocky subtidal communities, coral reefs, mangals and rocky shores. Another crucial component of this class is the readings. Each day students will be responsible to read one article and be prepared to critically discuss their content.