Ecology is all about connections. In this course, we’ll see how interdependent every living thing is and how people are impacting the natural world. Like all sciences, ecology isn’t just a list of known facts– it’s also a process. I love telling stories, and I’ve included many stories about how we’ve come to know what we know about ecology through observations and experiments.
Introduction to Biology: Ecology
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Introduction to Biology: Ecology
This course is part of Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity Specialization
Instructor: Scott Solomon
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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8
(99 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
Flexible schedule
Approx. 19 hours
Learn at your own pace
99%
Most learners liked this course
What you'll learn
How interdependent every living thing is; how people are impacting the natural world
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
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Assessments
13 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Introduction to Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 9 modules in this course
What's included
2 videos3 readings1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will learn about the goals of the science of ecology and some of the ways in which ecology can be applied to help people.
What's included
2 videos4 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will Learn about the factors that influence the distribution of life on Earth, some of the approaches that ecologists use to study ecological communities, and how the concept of an ecological niche can be used to understand the outcome of competition between species.
What's included
7 videos10 readings3 assignments1 peer review2 discussion prompts
In this module, we will learn about the development of the equilibrium theory of island biogeography and how it can be applied both to real islands and to protected areas.
What's included
3 videos4 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will learn about the various ways that species interact with one another, the role of keystone species in natural ecosystems, and how disturbances like floods and fires affect ecological communities.
What's included
6 videos8 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will learn how ecologists estimate population sizes of wild animals, the factors that affect population size in animals and people, and the history and recent trends in human population growth.
What's included
4 videos7 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will learn about the major threats to living species and the impacts of habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change on the natural world.
What's included
5 videos8 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this module, we will learn about the current declines in biodiversity and how biodiversity loss affects ecosystems and people.
What's included
6 videos8 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts
What's included
1 video1 peer review
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.8 (36 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Environmental Science and Sustainability
American Museum of Natural History
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Yale University
Emory University
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