Biogeography

The relationship and interactions between the biotic and abiotic factors are critical to finding sustainable solutions to loss or extinction of living things. The study of Biogeography is useful for resource conservation and planning. At the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. identify different life forms; 2. explain the factors responsible for their distribution; 3. describe how ecosystems interact and function; 4. describe vegetation change; and 5. examine the role of man in ecosystem modification.

Principles and concept of biogeography. Vegetation types; factors affecting flora and fauna distribution at various scales. The concept of the ecosystem. The structure and functioning of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Vegetation changes through time: adoption, cyclical, fluctuations, succession and climax. Nutrient cycling, the role of man in ecosystem modification, soil studies and many others.