Ateneo - UPO

First part: Ecology and Ecosystems Second part: material cycles Part Three: population dynamics

Elementi di ecologia. Thomas M. Smith, Robert Leo Smith. Pearson, 2013. EP Odum, GW Barrett, Fondamenti di Ecologia, III Edizione italiana, Piccin. ISBN 978-88-299-1834-8 ECOLOGIA: Autori:A. Pusceddu, G. Sarà, P. Viaroli Marchio:UTET Università Anno:2020 ISBN:9788860085856

To provide fundamental principles of complexity and ecology

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frontal classes, Socratic method, excursions, guided test

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services- students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Quiz on DIR it consists of 31 closed questions and / or brief details. Each right answer gives 1/30 to the final evaluation in thirtieths. There is a basic quota that varies between 1 and 5 points based on the difficulty of the test. The exam is successful. See or exceed the sum of 18/30. To achieve sufficiency, the student will have at least the basic knowledge and show that he understands the nature of the analytical method. The formulation of the overall vote takes into account the use of scientific terminology and the ability to establish links between the topics. Honors with 31 points.

General part. Introduction to ecology. Complex systems. Cybernetics and mechanisms of feedback regulation. Origin of life. Thermal vent. Structure and Features of ecosystems. Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Biotic and abiotic factors. Limiting factor. Physical factors. Energy, light. Solar constant. Efficiency and productivity of ecosystems. Primary production. Net production. Secondary production. Food webs. Food chain networks (grazing and detritus). K-R Selection. Energy transfer in the ecosystem. Biomass. Transmission efficiency. Ecological pyramids. Primary productivity. Productivity in the major ecosystems. Biomes. Ecologycal services. Biogeochemical Cycles. Hydrological cycle. Nitrogen cycle. Phosphorus cycle. Cycle of Sulphur. Carbon cycle. Oxygen cycle. Global climate change. Population Ecology. Growth curves, biotic potential of a population. Exponential equation and logistic curve. R and K selection Fluctuations around K. Population control. Density dependent factors: mortality and fertility. Allee effects. Distribution and speciation of chemicals in the environment. Uptake of pollutants. Bioaccumulation. Biomagnification.

Knowledge and understanding: will know the fundamental concepts of ecology in a biophysical (energetic) and biological key. He will also know the three main ecological functions: production, consumption and recycling, including the biogeochemical cycles of the fundamental constituents of organic matter and living matter (C, H, O, N, P, S). Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: will be able to use the knowledge acquired in all disciplines that require knowledge concerning the three main ecological functions. Autonomy of judgment: will acquire the ability to critically analyze the elements linked to the natural mechanisms that allow the cycling of the elements Communication skills: will master a vocabulary related to the mechanisms that allow the achievement of stationary states of an ecosystem, including environmental resilience Learning skills: will acquire the ability to use the teaching material provided for a critical and reasoned study of the topics covered and will also be able to deepen and update independently.