Syllabus
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Course Code: MES-103 Course Name: Ecology and Ecosystem Dynamics |
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| MODULE NO / UNIT | COURSE SYLLABUS CONTENTS OF MODULE | NOTES |
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| 1 | Introduction : Aims and scope of ecology, biological levels of organization-genes to biosphere; tolerance range and limiting factors, adaptations, ecotypes and ecads. Population ecology: Characteristics, evolutionary strategies r and k selection; population growth and regulation, Species Interactions: Competition, mutualism, parasitism, predator-prey relations, allelopathy, behavioural ecology-a brief account. |
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| 2 | Community structure and Organization: nature of community, life-forms, vertical and horizontal stratification; functional role and niche, keystone species, ecotone and edge-effect; plant-animal interaction. Ecological Succession –concept, primary and secondary succession; concept of climax and types of climax; changes in ecosystem properties during succession. |
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| 3 | The Ecosystem concept, biotic and abiotic components; ecosystem processes-photosynthesis and decomposition; ecological pyramids, food webs, trophic levels, energy transfer, ecological efficiencies, models of energy flow. Biogeochemical cycles, gaseous and sedimentary cycles-carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, sulphur cycle and phosphorus cycle, Man’s impact on nutrient cycles. |
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| 4 | Biome and aquatic systems- distribution, characteristics, climate and biota. Distinguishing characters of forests, grasslands, and arid lands. A brief account of lakes and wetlands, and coral reefs. Natural and anthropogenic disturbances, Invasive species: ecology, impacts and control. |
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