Biogeography module (EV31004)

Biogeography examines the distribution of living organisms across different geographical areas. It is a field of study that seeks to understand the reasons behind the observed spatial variations in biodiversity.

It is important to understand how life will adapt to environmental change in the future. We understand this by looking at why different organisms inhabit different locations on Earth. We also look at the mechanisms by which they move and adapt to change.

This also contributes to our understanding of the key drivers behind environmental change, such as carbon uptake. It also contributes to our understanding of implementing effective conservation measures. This understanding allows us to protect and conserve all species.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• explore how interactions between species create communities. You will also explore how clusters of communities create ecosystems and biomes
• study the abiotic drivers of where species are found. You will consider processes that have occurred over geologic time. You will also cover current climatic and edaphic conditions
• study the biotic drivers behind species distributions. This includes basic biogeographical processes, such as dispersal, speciation, and evolution
• understand the role of terrestrial vegetation in the carbon cycle. You will also learn about the influence of biogeographical processes. These influence the current political and practical conservation of plant species
• explore the impact of the Anthropocene on several ecological systems. You will also explore some of the efforts for managing these systems. These allow for greater resilience to changing climatic conditions
• analyse numerical information relating to species biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. You will learn to present findings logically and coherently, both verbally and in writing
• engage with indigenous views and understanding of nature

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• critique peer-reviewed papers in verbal discussions and written pieces
• apply the theory presented in class to data analysis and interpretation using the R programming language
• assess the extent to which conservation projects incorporate principles of biogeography and ecological understanding of species survival

Assignments / assessment

• blog post 1,500 words (10%)
  • based on a review paper on the Anthropocene discussed in Seminar 1
• workshop report 1,000 words (40%)
  • summarising data analysis performed in R and collated from GitHub
• blog post 2,500 words(10%)
  • based on a review paper on global reforestation potential from Seminar 2
• essay 2,500 words (40%)
  • based on an ecosystem and conservation project of your choice
  • assess the extent to which the conservation project is incorporating principles of biogeography and ecological understanding of species survival

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• two one-hour lectures per week
  • lectures are recorded to support learning but not live-streamed
• two one-hour seminars 
  • provides the opportunity to critically discuss assigned research papers
  • discussion prompts will be provided for you to prepare responses to
  • discussions are intended to inform assessed blog posts to model appropriate synthesis of arguments
• one four-hour field trip
  • opportunity to gain first-hand experience of a globally rare habitat to observe the interaction of abiotic conditions driving diversity of vegetation and animals, as well as learn about some of the challenges faced when managing a dynamic ecosystem to meet regional conservation priorities
• one two-hour data analysis workshop 
  • datasets are be provided for students to analyse in R
  • skills necessary for completing the workshop will be supported through formative assessments