88265 - ANIMAL DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION IN A CHANGING CLIMATE

Conoscenze e abilità da conseguire

The aim of this course is to impart knowledge about animal diversity and biogeography linked to climate changes. In historical ages, in fact, animal natural distribution, as a product of evolution, has been often confused from anthropic activities. Climate changes, though, is currently boosting the process with an impact deeper than ever on animal diversity. Ranges of distribution can be either reduced or widened, promoting biodiversity loss/extinction or leading to new species relationships. Therefore, ecological equilibria can be severely modified, also because of the phenomenon – among others – of alien (invasive) species. Through the course - also based on current literature and online resources analyses – students will acquire the ability to discuss case studies of animal distribution following climate changes, to explain habitat dynamics (loss in biodiversity and alien species) and analyze methods for animal resources conservation halting biodiversity loss.

Contenuti

Oral exams have been scheduled. Please register via AlmaEsami.
Registration typically closes one week before the start of each exam session.
Students who attended in previous years may declare this at the time of the exam, so that the questions can be focused on topics covered then.

Principles of animal diversity and distribution. Niches and distribution ranges. Diversity and distribution of animals in food webs. Community composition in space and time. Population dynamics of predation and distribution of predators and prey. Terrestrial ecosystems biodiversity. Evolutionary factors: speciation and extinction; dispersal and migrations. Island biogeography. Climate change and conservation biology. Animal distribution in relation to Protected Areas. Anthropic factors affecting animal diversity and distribution. Invasive and alien species (IAS). Methods to study animal biodiversity and distribution: step 1) data collection from biodiversity platforms, online datasets, field work, etc.; step 2) data analysis through species distribution / occupancy / N-mixture models, resource selection functions, species-habitat associations, etc.; step3) interpretation of the results of the analyses and discussion of their main implications in light of conservation and management.

Testi/Bibliografia

There are not required books. Course material (slides, academic papers, etc.) will be provided by the instructor.

Metodi didattici

Theoretical lectures, practical exercise with computers, analysis and presentation of case studies.

Due to the course’s activities and learning methodologies, attendance will be subject to prior participation of all students to the following mandatory e-learning Modules 1 and 2:

Module 1 [https://elearning-sicurezza.unibo.it/course/view.php?id=23] – Safety General Training

Module 2 [https://elearning-sicurezza.unibo.it/course/view.php?id=43] – Safety Specific Training (part I)

Modalità di verifica e valutazione dell'apprendimento

Both modules must be taken on the same exam date and it is not possible to take only one.

The exam at the end of the course aims to evaluate the following achievements:

Knowledge and understanding of biogeographical patterns of animals;

Ability to recognize and understand factors that can modify the diversity and distribution of animal species/populations;

Understanding of invasion dynamics of IAS;

Understanding of the role played by anthropic activities in shaping diversity and distribution of animal species/populations;

The final mark will be assessed through oral examination.

The final grade (out of 30) will be the arithmetic average of the two parts of the exam.
Registration via AlmaEsami is mandatory and must be completed by the deadline. Students unable to register on time must promptly (and in any case before the registration list closes) report the issue to the Teaching Office. Admission to the exam will be at the instructor’s discretion.
Grades will be recorded within 5 days of the exam and may be registered without the student being present, in accordance with the university guidelines: http://www.unibo.it/Portale/Guida/AlmaEsamiInformazioniDocenti.htm
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES OR DSA
Students with temporary or permanent disabilities or DSA should contact the university's dedicated office in advance:
https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it
This office will propose any necessary adjustments, subject to instructor approval at least 15 days in advance. Please do not contact the instructor directly but go through the dedicated Service, which will assess and implement the necessary adaptations.

Strumenti a supporto della didattica

Theoretical lectures, with power point presentations and practical exercises with computers.

All slides, files, tutorials and other material used during the course will be provided to students by the instructor.

Orario di ricevimento

Consulta il sito web di Marco Musiani

Consulta il sito web di Pietro Milanesi