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.
Ecosystems of California
Ecosystems of California
Instructor: Erika Zavaleta
Access provided by Interbank
5,468 already enrolled
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
53 reviews
Beginner level
No prior experience required
1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Describe the characteristic components of California’s major ecosystems and the processes that give rise to and maintain this character.
Describe the tradeoffs between the human benefits derived from California’s ecosystems and their degradation.
Analyze and evaluate tradeoffs between the human benefits derived from California’s ecosystems and their degradation.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
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Taught in English
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There are 5 modules in this course
What's included
9 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt
What's included
9 videos1 assignment
What's included
9 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt
What's included
8 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment1 peer review
Instructor
Instructor ratings
(13 ratings)Offered by
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Showing 3 of 53
PD
Reviewed on Sep 9, 2025
Fascinating and thorough course. I learned a ton, and the videos are dense with information. However, the quiz and discussion questions often felt like lazy afterthoughts.
SR
Reviewed on Jul 17, 2020
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".
JS
Reviewed on Apr 1, 2018
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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