Marine bio-diversity at different organizational levels (from genes to ecosystems). Overall differences in marine biodiversity in polar (examples from Arctic and Antarctica), temperate (mid-Norway) and tropical (Australia) ecosystems. How key-environmental variables (eg. light regime, temperature, salinity and nutrients) affect marine bio-diversity relation to climate induced processes. The importance of endosymbionts and kleptoplasty in species development. Relate bio-diversity at different levels to organisms at sea-surface, water column (nekton and plankton) and sea-floor (benthos). Biodiversity and age of ecosystems (time important development factor). Mass extinctions and explosions.
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
Topics in taxonomy/systematics, eco-physiology, evolution theory. BI1002
Learning outcomes
Knowledge:
- Important definitions in marine biodiversity (from genes, organelles, species, groups, habitats, ecosystems).
- Biodiversity versus key environmental variables.
- Impact of endosymbionts, kleptoplasty, environment stability and time in species development.
- Sampling of plankton and larvae, fish and benthos using different techniques and equipment (vessel, nets, grab, corer, trawl, dredge, SCUBA and ROV)
- Impact of climate variation, fisheries and aquaculture on marine bio-diversity.
- Learn to sample organisms from sea surface, water column and seafloor using different platforms (boat, SCUBA diving and Remotely Operated Vehicle- ROV) using different types of sampling gear.
- Learn practical skills related oceanographic cruises on a research vessel.
Skills:
- Understanding of the relationship between organisms and their environment in Nature
- Understanding why endosymbionts, time, humans and environmental variables affect extinction and development of new species
- Understanding how to sample species and groups of interest for further studies (field course)
- Understanding differences in species biodiversity in hot spots and deserts in polar, temperate and tropical environment
- Understand the major bio-diversity taxa and their importance in the Ecosystem
- Ability to communicate with colleagues in adjacent disciplines
Files/Documents
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