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CS92PROD
Ecology and Natural History of Freshwater Fishes of South America

ENVS 306
Spring 2020
Section: 01  
Crosslisting: BIOL 306, E&ES 306
Certificates: Environmental Studies, Environmental Studies Minor

South America has the highest diversity of freshwater fishes anywhere in the world. In fact, there are more than twice the number of mammals and about the same number of birds in the world. Why has this remarkable radiation occurred in a relatively short period of time? How can so many fishes coexist in the same rivers, utilizing the same resources? In this intensive course, we will travel to Colombia during spring break (March 7-21) in order to gain firsthand knowledge about the ecology and natural history of freshwater fishes in South America. We will learn about the ecological and environmental factors that contribute to perhaps the largest biological radiation on the planet.

Students will obtain firsthand experience with the South American tropics, freshwater fishes, and with doing experiments in the field. Each day there will be a combination of lectures and field or laboratory exercises. We will travel to and explore fish ecology in different types of rivers at different elevations. Students will gather and analyze data about biological, physical, and environmental issues that are covered in the lectures. The habitats that we explore will be both terrestrial and freshwater rivers. Our base will be at the Instituto Humboldt in Villa de Leyva, Colombia. We will interact with Colombian students who are studying ecology and biodiversity at the Institute in order to exchange ideas about current environmental issues.

All the costs of travel, lodging, and meals will be covered by the course.
Credit: 1.5 Gen Ed Area Dept: None
Course Format: Laboratory CourseGrading Mode: Graded
Level: UGRD Prerequisites: None
Fulfills a Requirement for: (BIOL)(E&ES)(ENVS-MN)(ENVS)
Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available

Last Updated on NOV-24-2024
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