SR
4.0Reviewed 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".
Ecosystems of California
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.
Status: Water Resource Management
Status: Biology
BeginnerCourse12 hours
Featured reviews
JQ
5.0Reviewed Oct 17, 2017
INTERESTING AND ENJOYABLE COURSE. TIMELY, TOO, AS I PLAN ON DOING THE PACIFIC COAST TRAIL THIS SPRING. THANKS SO MUCH!
JS
5.0Reviewed 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
L
5.0Reviewed May 31, 2020
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!
DM
5.0Reviewed Oct 4, 2020
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!
AP
5.0Reviewed Apr 2, 2020
Really interesting and easy to apply to your natural surroundings if you live in California. I really enjoyed the videos, and learned a ton!
PD
4.0Reviewed 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.