Mar 29, 2024  
2020 - 2021 Graduate Catalog 
    
2020 - 2021 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

BIOL 527 - Wetland Ecosystems


Fall Credits: (4) Chambers Corequisite(s): BIOL527L Prereq/Corequisite(s): BIOL 203 and BIOL 204 or equivalent.

Wetlands typically occur at the nexus between terrestrial and open water habitats, with some notable exceptions. All wetlands, however, exhibit distinct features that are best described by the unique hydrologic conditions, soils development, and plant species that evolved to occupy these ecosystems. In this course, we will explore how water, soils and plants combine to create different wetland types, from coastal saltwater marshes to bogs to prairie potholes to inland freshwater swamp forests. Field trips to different local wetland ecosystems will supplement lecture materials. Because of the ecological and economic importance of wetlands in providing various habitat functions for wildlife and ecosystem services to humans, we will review the history of wetland destruction, creation/restoration, and legal protection. Cross-listed with BIOL 427