This course surveys the diversity, structure and functioning of California’s ecosystems through time and the ways they have influenced and responded to human activities and stewardship. Topics include ecosystem drivers such as climate, soils, and land use history; human and ecological prehistory of the state; comparative marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystem dynamics; and managed ecosystems such as range, fisheries and agriculture in California. The course also emphasizes important skills to understand as a scientist or consumer of scientific information, including data collection, natural history, and writing.
Offered By
Ecosystems of California
University of California, Santa CruzAbout this Course
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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Drivers of Statewide Patterns
Marine Systems
Mountains, Lakes, & Deserts
Lowland Systems
Reviews
- 5 stars78.26%
- 4 stars17.39%
- 3 stars2.17%
- 2 stars2.17%
TOP REVIEWS FROM ECOSYSTEMS OF CALIFORNIA
Amazing course! I learned so much, and had a lot of fun. Written questions were valuable, and extended my thinking. The final project was so much fun!
Final test was harder and more specific than expected. If the question has more than one answer, it really needs to say "Mark all that apply".
I learned so much in this class! Erika Zavaleta's video field trips and lectures taught me so much about the place I live in, and it's amazing that it can all be accessed for free!
This shows California outdoors from top to bottom. Really good info on all the plants, animals and outdoor environments. Especially enjoyed week 3 on lakes and deserts
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