What This Document Is
These are presentation notes from BIO 204: Introduction to Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity at Western Washington University. They comprehensively cover the factors influencing where organisms live and thrive, and how populations change over time. The notes delve into the interplay between living things and their environments, examining both the large-scale patterns of global biomes and the smaller-scale dynamics of population ecology. Expect a detailed exploration of ecological principles, moving from individual organisms to the biosphere as a whole.
Why This Document Matters
These notes are essential for students in BIO 204 seeking a robust understanding of core ecological concepts. They are particularly helpful for clarifying lecture material, preparing for discussions, and building a strong foundation for more advanced topics in evolution and biodiversity. Students who utilize these notes will be better equipped to analyze ecological relationships and understand the complexities of the natural world. They are most valuable when used *in conjunction* with attending lectures and completing assigned readings.
Common Limitations or Challenges
These notes are a *supplement* to, not a replacement for, active participation in the course. They represent a distillation of lecture content and do not include the full context of discussions, demonstrations, or supplemental materials presented in class. The notes also do not offer practice problems or self-assessment tools; they focus on presenting foundational information. Furthermore, they do not contain answers to specific student questions raised during office hours or lectures.
What This Document Provides
* An overview of the factors governing species distribution and abundance.
* An examination of the influence of climate – both global and regional – on biomes.
* A breakdown of major aquatic and terrestrial biome characteristics.
* Key concepts related to population ecology, including factors affecting population size.
* An introduction to life history strategies and their evolutionary implications.
* A visual reference to ecological concepts through included figures and diagrams.
* A record of questions asked by students during a specific lecture session.