00248 - Ecology

Learning outcomes

Knowledge: To know the environment to the purpose to point out the interactions among the various systems and bio/abiotic components, in a dynamic and varying context in the time and in the space, particularly referred to the transmit of the culture of the environment.

Ability: The principal objective of the Course of Ecology is that to furnish the means and the subjects knowledge appointed to contribute to the primary formation of the environmental culture of the pupil and the development of its personality through the acquisition of elementary notions of ecology.

Course contents

- Definition of Ecology;

- Definition of Ecosystem, Study of the ecosystems: individualization of the components of an Ecosystem, relationships among them, Trophic Roles of the biological component, an example of Primary Production: the Photosynthesis, Concept of Food Web, Biomass, Production, destiny of the Primary Production, the Ecological Pyramids,

- The Aquatic Ecosystems;

- Stability of the Ecosystems: concept of Resistance and Resiliency;

- The Biogeochemical Cycles; Nitrogen Cycle, Sulphur Cycle, Phosphorus Cycle, Carbon Cycle;

- Implications of the antrophic activities on the matter cycles: eutrophication, acid rains, greenhouse effect, deforestation, desertification;

-Limiting Factors: conditions on which the presence and the success of the organisms depend;

- Liebig's Law, notion of tolerance limits, factors Compensation and ecotypes, Adaptations;

- Main Limiting Factors: Temperature, Oxygen, Water, Light; Consequences: bioturbation, climate, photoperiodism, energetic sources in terrestrial and aquatic environments;

- Concept of Habitat and Ecological Niche; Fundamental niche and realized niche;

- Communities Ecology: population and community; Interactions positive and negative;

- Population Dynamics: Exponential and Logistics Growth

Recommended reading

“Fondamenti di Ecologia” (2007) di Cunnigham et al., edito dalla Mc Graw Hill.

Capitoli inerenti il corso:

4 – Atmosfera e Clima

5 – Idrosfera

6 – Materia, Energia e Vita

7 – Comunità Biologiche e Interazioni tra le Specie

8 – Biomi, Ripristino e Gestione Ambientale

9 – Dinamica di Popolazione

Integration with notes and other didactic material.

Readings/Bibliography

“Fondamenti di Ecologia” (2007) di Cunnigham et al., edito dalla Mc Graw Hill.

Capitoli inerenti il corso:

4 – Atmosfera e Clima

5 – Idrosfera

6 – Materia, Energia e Vita

7 – Comunità Biologiche e Interazioni tra le Specie

8 – Biomi, Ripristino e Gestione Ambientale

9 – Dinamica di Popolazione

Integration with notes and other didactic material.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons, with applications of the matters to the didactic planning.

Practical exercises and driven visits.

Assessment methods

At the end of the course (first and eventually second valuable appeal) a test is scheduled written type mixed, with open and closed questions to answer, for the students that desire to perform it. Contrary, and for the following appeals, the exam is oral.

Teaching tools

Frontal lessons, with applications of the matters to the didactic planning.

Practical exercises and driven visits.:

1) observation of an Lentic Environment;

2) different development of the Germination in seeds subjected to different factors.

Office hours

See the website of Gianpaolo Salmoiraghi