What role do humans play in the introduction of species to new habitats? When are introduced species considered to be "invasive"? How does urbanization influence competition for space and resources among animals, both native and introduced?
This special topics research course provides students an opportunity to discuss and explore issues at the intersection between human activity and natural ecosystem function. Specifically, we examine patterns of trait and behavior variation among species introduced to South Florida, to better understand how human activity may acts as a selective force on animals in the local environment. By the end of the course, students must orchestrate an informative but accessible outreach event to share our findings with the general public and inform the community of actions they can take to help protect natural ecosystems in the face of an ever changing human world.
*Instructor permission required for registration*
This special topics research course provides students an opportunity to discuss and explore issues at the intersection between human activity and natural ecosystem function. Specifically, we examine patterns of trait and behavior variation among species introduced to South Florida, to better understand how human activity may acts as a selective force on animals in the local environment. By the end of the course, students must orchestrate an informative but accessible outreach event to share our findings with the general public and inform the community of actions they can take to help protect natural ecosystems in the face of an ever changing human world.
*Instructor permission required for registration*
Above: Outreach event coordinated by students, spring semester 2023.