GEOG 3115 - BIOGEOGRAPHY
Dr. Keith H. Topps |
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Biogeography is the study of the spatial distribution of lifeforms. Biogeographers strive to understand the various processes which cause these distribution patterns to develop and change over time.
Why are species, or groups of species, distributed as they are?
The answer to this question is often very complex, and Biogeography is a very broad field of study. Biogeographers seek answers by studying the relationships between lifeforms and the supply or scarcity of critical elements in the surrounding physical environment. Energy, nutrients, water and space are the most crucial.
Plants accumulate energy through photosynthesis. This energy is then passed from one trophic level to another as a food chain or food web. Energy and "energy flow-through" is a fundamental beginning to the study of biogeography.
Nutrients, by contrast, tend to cycle rather than flow-through. The study of "biogeochemical cycling" begins with elements being taken up by plants in a water solution, passed on through the biosphere, and eventually returned through decomposition to a non-living state.
The abundance and distribution of both energy and nutrients leads to several "biogeographical processes". Speciation, adaptation, dispersal, and extinction are among the more important processes. The results are demonstrated in patterns of distribution, population dynamics, ecological stategies, niches, and community ecology. These processes and results are demonstrated by reference to the tropical rainforests, the Canadian Arctic, and the East African steppes.
Field work is vital to the study of biogeography. A significant early
part of this course involves methods of collecting data in the field.
Emphasis is placed on structural description of lifeforms, adaptation
to site, and biogeographical inventory.
A day-long field trip will be included, in addition to afternoon excursions.
Biogeography is a 6 credit course.
Course Pre-requisite: GEOG 1017
Biogeography is scheduled for 1996/97 and is normally offered in alternate years.
Dr. Keith Topps
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This page was last updated on 04/10/96.