Natural Ecosystems

At the end of this course students will be able to: 1. explain the concept of environment; 2. explain the interactions among the components; 3. mention types of ecosystems; 4. state the factors affecting flora and fauna distribution at various scales; 5. discuss the impact of time, adaptation, succession and climax on vegetation changes; and 6. mention principal plants in West Africa and their ecology.

Components of environment and the interaction among components, types of ecosystems (ecosystems as habitat); Principal plants in West Africa, their ecology as related to grazing; Factors affecting flora and fauna distribution at various scales. Vegetation changes through time, adaptation, succession and climax.