STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 I.      Recognize and demonstrate an understanding of terminology, facts, methodologies, and concepts related to the nature of ecology.

 II.     Apply the concepts to interpret new situations relating to the interactions between living organisms and their environment.

 III.    Apply the principles, procedures, and techniques of ecology, including measurement, data representation, problem solving, and critical analysis in the laboratory and in the field.

 IV.     Demonstrate an appreciation of ecology as a science and realize the importance of ecological research and conservation in today's society.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      The Biological Foundation for the Study of Ecology

         A.      The Characteristics of Life.

         B.      The Chemical Basis of Life.

         C.      The Cellular Basis of Life.

         D.      The Diversity of Living Things.

         E.      Evolution through Natural Selection.

 II.     The Nature of Ecology

         A.      The Realm of Ecology.

         B.      Ecology as a Science.

         C.      The Organism¿s Relationship with Its Environment.

 III.    Conditions for Life

         A.      Climate.

         B.      Light, Temperature, and Moisture.

         C.      Nutrients.

         D.      Soils.

 IV.     Populations

         A.      Properties of Populations.

         B.      Life History Patterns.

         C.      Population Growth.

         D.      Intraspecific Interrelationships.

         E.      Population Genetics and Speciation.

 V.      Communities

         A.      Community Structure.

         B.      Processes Shaping and Changing Communities.

         C.      Interspecific Interrelationships.

 VI.     Ecosystems

         A.      Structure of Ecosystems.

         B.      Energy Flow and Trophic Structure.

         C.      Biogeochemical Cycles.

         D.      Biomes.

 VII.    Environmental Concerns

         A.      Human Interactions with Natural Populations.

         B.      Global Environmental Change.