Description

This course will first introduce you to patterns of population distribution. You will look into the characteristics of population including size, density, dispersion pattern, age structure, and sex ratio. The course will discuss how life tables are used to calculate the life expectancy of species, as well as how to use the life history strategy to understand how species evolve certain living patterns. Populations are regulated by a variety of density-dependent and density-independent factors. The course will guide you through each of these, along with the crucial logistic growth curve.

Species are divided into two categories based on a variety of features of their life history patterns. You will study these categories including the key features of these species. You will then look into human population growth and how it has increased the world’s carrying capacity through migration, agriculture, medical advances, and communication. The course will then discuss how many organisms have developed defenses against predation and herbivory, including the symbiotic relationships of species.

The unprecedented growth of the human population has created significant challenges that we have to face. This Ecology Studies - Population and Community Ecology online course will give you a stronger understanding of the patterns of population distribution, population growth, and species relationships and behaviors, so that you can help us address these challenges. This is meaningful and practical information that can really make a difference to both your career, and the planet itself.