Course Summary
Explore the diverse ecosystems of California and learn about the unique plant and animal species that inhabit them with this course.Key Learning Points
- Discover the different biomes and habitats found in California, from deserts to coastal areas.
- Understand the ecological processes that shape these ecosystems and the challenges they face.
- Learn about conservation efforts and how you can contribute to preserving California's biodiversity.
Related Topics for further study
- California ecosystems
- Biodiversity conservation
- Ecological processes
- Habitat restoration
- Wildlife management
Learning Outcomes
- Identify different California ecosystems and the plant and animal species that inhabit them.
- Understand the ecological processes that shape these ecosystems and the threats they face.
- Develop strategies for conservation and restoration of California's biodiversity.
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- Basic understanding of biology and ecology
- Interest in California's natural history and conservation efforts
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online self-paced
- Video lectures
- Interactive quizzes
Similar Courses
- Introduction to Ecology and Ecosystems
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Wildlife Conservation
Notable People in This Field
- Naturalist and Conservationist
- Environmental Activist
- Marine Biologist and Writer
Related Books
Description
This course surveys the diversity, structure and functioning of California’s ecosystems through time and the ways they have influenced and responded to human activities and stewardship. Topics include ecosystem drivers such as climate, soils, and land use history; human and ecological prehistory of the state; comparative marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystem dynamics; and managed ecosystems such as range, fisheries and agriculture in California. The course also emphasizes important skills to understand as a scientist or consumer of scientific information, including data collection, natural history, and writing.
Outline
- Drivers of Statewide Patterns
- Ecosystems Intro
- Biodiversity
- Geomorphology and Soils
- Climate Transect
- California's Climate
- Population and Land Use
- Forestry
- Agriculture
- Urban
- Syllabus
- Statewide Patterns
- Marine Systems
- Franklin Point Dunes
- Younger Lagoon Dunes
- Beaches
- Animal Tracking
- Estuaries
- Oceanography
- Intertidal
- Kelp Forests
- Offshore
- Marine Systems
- Mountains, Lakes, & Deserts
- Montane Forests
- Fire
- Subalpine
- Strip Bark
- Alpine
- Lundy Lake
- Lake Tahoe
- Mono Lake
- Deserts
- Mountains, Lakes, & Deserts
- Lowland Systems
- Rivers
- Grasslands
- Jasper Ridge Chaparral
- Fort Ord Chaparral
- Coastal Sage
- Oak Woodlands
- Range
- Northcoast Forests
- Lowland Systems
- Conclusion
- Conclusion
- Using a dichotomous key
- Final Exam
Summary of User Reviews
Discover the diverse ecology of California with this course. Users have praised the in-depth coverage of different ecosystems and species. However, some have noted that the course material can be overwhelming, and the quizzes can be difficult.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
in-depth coverage of different ecosystems and speciesPros from User Reviews
- Comprehensive content about California's ecosystems
- Great visuals and videos to illustrate concepts
- Engaging lectures by knowledgeable instructors
Cons from User Reviews
- Course material can be overwhelming at times
- Quizzes can be difficult and time-consuming
- Limited interaction with instructors or other students
- Some technical issues with the online platform
- No certificate or credential offered upon completion
Erika Zavaleta
4.7 Raiting
Ecosystems of California
- 4.7
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This course surveys the diversity, structure and functioning of California’s ecosystems through time and the ways they have influenced and responded to human activities and stewardship....
