ECOLOGY OF ECOLOGICAL METHODS

This course focuses on the area of Biological and Ecological Sciences and contributes to defining the role of this discipline within Environmental Sciences. Specifically, the course is part of the broad discipline of ecology and offers the theoretical elements needed to understand possible experimental approaches to the quantitative study of ecological systems, both in terms of structure and function. The course provides the general ecology knowledge essential for achieving the educational objectives of the Environmental Sciences degree program. Specifically, the "Ecology I" module contributes significantly to providing the conceptual foundations necessary:
- to study the relationships between living organisms and their environment;
- to understand the role of organisms in communities and ecosystems;
- to interpret the complexity of the mechanisms that govern the functioning of natural ecosystems, both aquatic and terrestrial.

Ecology, by definition, is the study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment. Actually, it is a complex scientific discipline, articulated in different subdisciplines, each one characterized by specific approaches and methods of investigation. The course of "Ecology I and Laboratory of Methods of Analysis of Ecological Systems" aims to provide both the basic knowledge of general ecology and an introduction to the main ecological sub-disciplines. The study of ecology is in fact addressed to different levels (individual. population, community, ecosystem and landscape). In particular, the conceptual bases are provided for understanding the adaptations of plant and animal organisms to the environment, the factors that regulate the spatial distribution of species and population growth, the role of biological interactions in determining the structure of communities and the functioning of ecosystems, the role of the disturbance in determining ecological dynamics. Finally, the course aims to contribute to the acquisition by the student of the knowledge necessary for the assessment and management of environmental systems, in a perspective of conservation, enhancement and restoration of ecosystems and natural processes. The course also provides an introduction to the methods used to collect and analyze ecological data.
By the end of the course, closely integrated with the laboratory module, students should:
1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic ecological elements;
2. have acquired the ability to apply the knowledge learned to both natural and human contexts;
3. have mastered the main data collection and analysis methods;
4. be able to interpret, communicate, and critically discuss ecological data independently.

Recommended requirements: Basic knowledge of animal and plant biology. The required knowledge is that provided by the course "Principles of Animal and Plant Biology" in the first year of the Environmental Sciences degree.

Individual Level:
The physical environment. The biosphere. Conditions and resources. Adaptations of organisms to the environment. Tolerance ranges. Limiting factors. The ecological niche.
Population Level:
Distribution and abundance of individuals. Life tables. Population growth patterns. Regulation of population size. Models and evolution of life cycles. Metapopulations.
Interactions between species:
Coevolution. Interspecific competition: the principle of competitive exclusion, the Lotka-Volterra model of competition, trophic niche, factors favoring coexistence, character shifts. Predation: the Lotka-Volterra model of predation, predator functional response, predator numerical response, predation risk, adaptations and anti-predator responses.
Community Level:
Structure and diversity of communities. Closed and open communities. Ecological succession. The role of disturbance.
Ecosystem Level:
Food chains and pyramids. Food webs. Dominant species and keystone species. Trophic levels; Energy flow and ecological efficiencies. Grazing chains and detritus cycles. Bottom-up and top-down control. Detritus decomposition and nutrient cycling. Biogeochemical cycles. Ecological effects of global climate change.
Introduction to environmental restoration ecology.

Slides of lessons and other learniing materials

Textbook (highly recommended):
Smith T.M. & R.L. Smith, 2023. Elements of Ecology - 10th edition (Italian edition edited by A. Occhipinti Ambrogi, A. Marchini). Pearson, Milano. (In particular chapters: 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20)

The assessment of learning is carried out by means of a written exam consisting of questions that provide for the choice between multiple answers, questions that require an answer in full and the carryng out of two exercises. The questions with a choice of answer and those with an answer in full, aimed at assessing the level of learning of the topics of general ecology addressed during the course, contribute for a maximum of 6/30 and 9/30 to the final evaluation respectively. The exercises, related to the methodological part of the course and to the laboratory work, contribute to the final evaluation for a maximum of 15/30.
Examples of exercises and questions from past exams will be available on Moodle to aid self-assessment.

written

Evaluation grid:
28-30L: mastery of the topics covered in class, ability to prioritize information, excellent use of appropriate technical terminology; honors are awarded in the event of obtaining the maximum score in the written test and an excellent written presentation.
25-27: good knowledge of the topics covered in class, fair ability to organize information and present it in written form, familiarity with technical terminology.
22-24: not always in-depth knowledge of the topics covered in class; orderly presentation but with not always correct use of technical terminology.
21-23: at times superficial knowledge of the topics covered in class, written presentation not always clear and not always satisfactory in terms of technical terminology.
18-20: barely sufficient knowledge of the topics covered in class, written presentation not always precise and with little use of technical terminology.

The course is organized in lectures and in laboratory work. The "Ecology I" module consists of lectures that address the main topics of ecology at the levels of individual, population, community, ecosystem and ecological landscape. The lectures can be integrated with specialized seminars. The slides used for lessons will be made available on the online platform.
Lectures and seminars are aimed at strengthening the student's understanding of ecological processes and the ability to critically analyze environmental data.

Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion.
Accommodations and Support Services for students with disabilities or with specific learning disabilities:
Ca 'Foscari applies Italian law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) for support and accommodation services available to students with disabilities or with specific learning disabilities. In case of motor, visual, hearing or other disabilities (Law 17/1999) or a specific learning disorder (Law 170/2010) and you need support (classroom assistance, technological aids for carrying out exams or individualized exams, material in accessible format, recovery of notes, specialized tutoring to support the study, interpreters or other), please contact the Disability and SLD office. Disability@unive.it.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Natural capital and environmental quality" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development