Ecology of Terrestrial Vertebrate Communities 1400-ETVC-en
The aim of the course is to learn about terrestrial vertebrate communities in various ecosystems, analyze the structure and functioning of these communities, and understand the changes occurring in them caused by direct and indirect human activity.
The subject is implemented during a 6-day field course held in Warsaw and during a 9-day field course in Urwitałt field station in Mazurian Lakeland. Besides collecting data in the field, students participate in interactive seminar and lecture workshops, during which each student presents twice (once in Warsaw and once in Urwitałt) a scientific topic and moderates the discussion. Seminars provide students with the knowledge necessary to pass the course. Field course and seminars in Warsaw are held in April and May, whereas field course and seminars in Urwitałt begin in the half of June.
The course is intended for 12 students. During classes, students are divided into four groups of three people, in which they carry out research topics, elaborate collected data and prepare final presentations. However, due to rotation system all the students have an opportunity to participate in topics led by their colleagues.
Topics of seminars in Warsaw are focused on the vertebrate communities inhabiting various types of ecosystems (e.g. natural and managed forests, wetlands, urban, agricultural and rural etc.). The main topic of field research project held in Warsaw is description of bird breeding communities in various types of urban parks and forests. Students will collect data using bird voice recognition phone application and verify this method as a scientific tool.
Seminars in the field station in Urwitałt are devoted to various aspects of the ecology of vertebrate communities, and include such topics as: a) biotic and abiotic factors affecting population dynamics of terrestrial vertebrates, b) keystone species in vertebrate communities, c) invasive species that change and impact vertebrate communities, d) landscape of fear, e) the comeback of top predators and their impact on vertebrate communities, f) seasonal migrations of terrestrial vertebrates, g) effects of climate and land-use change on terrestrial vertebrate community diversity, h) human activities that modify vertebrate behaviour and communities, i) evolutionary adaptation of food hoarding in vertebrates, j) ecosystem engineers, k) active protection of endangered vertebrate species, l) development of scientific methods used in field studies of terrestrial vertebrates.
Topics of research projects in Urwitałt include: a) interspecific competition at various trophic levels – rodents, birds, raptors, carnivores – space and time segregation, b) nest predation – community of nest predators, influence of habitat and nest placement on nest survival, c) predation in vertebrate communities – food and habitat niches of predators, food niche overlap, d) community structure and densities of birds and mammals in various types of habitats. Research projects will be implemented using various methods, including live traps, camera traps, bird voice recognition phone applications, microscopes, etc.
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
K_W09 Bl I, K_W10 Bl I, K_W02 Os I, K_W01 Os II
Has knowledge of terminology used in ecology. Understands ecological phenomena and processes occurring at the individual, population and ecosystem level
K_W13 Bl I, K_W06 Bl II
Understands conceptual categories of animal biology and environmental biology
K_W16 Bl I, K_W11 Bl II, K_W13 Bl II, K_W06 Os II
Knows methods used in field study of terrestrial vertebrates, knows the principles of research planning and modern data collection techniques
K_W04 Os I, K_W07 Os I, K_W10 Os II
Has knowledge of the most important issues related to the protection of endangered species of terrestrial vertebrates
K_W02 Os II
Knows the factors influencing communities and populations of terrestrial vertebrates
K_W07 Os II
Has knowledge in the field of statistical inference, knows and understands the principles of methodology in biological sciences
kills
K_U02 Bl I, K_U02 Bl II, K_U07 Os I
Uses methods and techniques used in field work in the natural environment
K_U04 Bl I
Is able to analyze the obtained results and discuss them based on the available literature
K_U07 Bl I
Is able to develop a selected biological problem under the supervision of a supervisor based on literature data and the results of his own research
K_U06 Bl I, K_U07 Bl II, K_U01 Os I
Is able to perform field observations and conduct field experiment using the known methods under the supervision of a research supervisor
K_U05 Os II, K_U10 Os II, K_U16 Os II
Is able to plan and define a research goal and collect and interpret empirical data
K_U08 Bl I, K_U09 Bl II
Is able to present the obtained results in the form of a multimedia presentation and presents critically research works in the field of ecology
K_U03 Bl I, K_U11 Bl II, K_U13 Os I, K_U15 Os II, K_U03 Bl II,
Reads with understanding scientific biological texts in English and communicates in English at B2 level and has the ability to prepare and deliver oral speeches in English
K_U09 Bl I, K_U02 Os I
Is able to use basic statistical methods to describe the results of his research
K_U10 Bl I
Learns independently the topics indicated by the tutor
K_U08 Bl II
Is able to critically develop a selected biological problem based on literature data and the results of his own research, formulating his own opinions and conclusions
K_U12 Bl II
Is able to work in a team, implementing advanced research projects in the field of ecology
K_U06 Os I
Analyzes the causes of threats to the terrestrial vertebrate biodiversity and is able to indicate the type of remedial actions
K_U11 Os I
Identifies representatives of the main systematic groups of terrestrial vertebrates, with particular emphasis on protected and endangered species
Competencies
K_K01 Bl I, K_K07 Bl II, K_K02 Os I, K_K03 Os II,
K_K04 Os II
Feels the need for constant education and updating knowledge, using scientific and popular science sources regarding zoology and ecology
K_K03 Bl I
Recognizes what are research ethics and reliability in conducting research and interpreting the obtained results
K_K07 Bl I, K_K04 Bl II, K_K05 Os I, K_K10 Os II
Is able to work in a team, carrying out his own research, co-organizing the work of the entire team
Assessment criteria
Presentations, written assignments and final exam (test)
Notes
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Term 2023L:
None |
Term 2024L:
None |
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: