SCTB640 – Ecosystems and Conservation
Module code
SCTB640
Module title
Ecosystems and Conservation
Prescription
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the principles of ecology and conservation and to help provide the necessary skills to undertake animal and plant sampling in the field and analyse field work and laboratory results.
Programmes
- FT0001
- FT0004
- SC1302
NZQA Level
Level 6
NZQA Credits
15
Delivery method
- Web-Enhanced
Learning hours
- Directed hours
- 75
- Self directed hours
- 75
- Total learning hours
- 150
Resources required
- Learning Outcomes
- Learning Outcomes and Performance Criteria:
On completion of this module the student will be able to:
1.Describe the relationship between organisms and the abiotic environment
- The terms population, community, ecosystem and environment are defined
- Population dynamics are analysed
- The concept of ecological niche is understood
2.Describe nutrient and energy flows through ecosystems
- Biogeochemical cycles are described
- Information about the flow of nutrients and energy through selected food webs is integrated
3.Describe the characteristics of natural biomes and man made ecosystems
- The description includes the global climatic patterns which influence the distribution of biomes
- The major biomes are distinguished by their climatic and community characteristics
4.Discuss the concept of biological success
- The criteria for success are decided
- These criteria are used to justify describing insects, angiosperms, and mammals as successful groups
5.Describe the origins and unique characteristics of the New Zealand flora and fauna
- Examples of indigenous plants and animals of endemic, Gondwanaland, Australian, tropical, and cosmopolitan origin are used to illustrate the diverse origins of the New Zealand flora
- The unique characteristics of the native flora and fauna are described and related to the geologic history of New Zealand
6.Describe examples of conservation methods used in New Zealand including traditional methods used by Mori
- Methods of conservation of species and ecosystems are compared
- Endangered New Zealand species are identified and methods for their conservation evaluated
- Traditional methods of conservation used by Mori are evaluated
7.Explain biodiversity from a Mtaurangi Mori perspective
- Discuss the concepts of tino rangatiratanga, tikanga, kaitiakitanga and rahui
8.Describe the impact of human activity on biodiversity
- Discuss the vulnerability of New Zealand species to introduced pests and weeds
- The importance of maintaining biodiversity is debated
- Examples of loss of biodiversity as a result of human activity are described
9.Undertake field sampling of animals and plants and analyse community structure
- The abiotic characteristics and community structure of selected ecosystems are analysed in the field and laboratory, and the findings evaluated
- Animal sampling techniques are selected according to the behaviour, distribution and life cycle of animals
- Plant sampling techniques are selected according to the characteristics of ecosystems
- Data collected using each technique is analysed and population sizes calculated - Content
- Relationships between organisms and their environment
Nutrient cycles and energy flows
Major Biomes
Natural and man-made ecosystems
Biological success
Human impacts on ecosystems
Rarity and extinctions
New Zealand conservation practices
Field and laboratory analysis of communities and ecosystems
Plant and animal sampling techniques - Teaching and Learning Strategy
- A combination of integrated subjects studied through lectures, field work, laboratory exercises and problem-based exercises.
- Assessment Criteria
- Criteria: this is an achievement-based module in which students must gain an overall grade of 50 to pass.
- Recommended Readings
- Recommended texts
Campbell, N.A.; Reece, J.B.; Mitchell, L.G. and Taylor, M.R. 2005. Biology: Concepts and Connections. 5th Edition, Benjamin Cummings.
Parsons, S.; Blanchon, D.; Buchanan, P.; Clout, M.; Galbraith, M.; Weihong, J.; Macdonald, J.; Walker, M.; and Wass, R. 2006 Biology Aotearoa Unique Flora, Fauna and Fungi. Pearson Benjamin Cummings.
Recommended Reading
Campbell, N. A., Reece, J. B., Taylor, M. R., & Simon, E. J. (2005). Biology - concepts and connections. (5th ed.). Benjamin Cummings.
Donovan, T. M. (2002). Spreadsheet exercises in ecology and evolution. Sinauer Associates.
Rimmer, A. (2004). Tiritiri Matangi: a model of conservation. Tandem Press.
Smith, R. L. & Smith, T. M. (2003). Elements of ecology. (5th ed.).Benjamin Cummings.
Stephens, G. R. (1980). New Zealand adrift; the theory of continental drift in a New Zealand setting. Reed.
Stiling, P. (2002). Ecology theories and applications. (4th ed.). Prentice Hall.
Taipa, G. (2003). A cultural health index for streams and waterways: indicators for recognising and expressing values. Ministry for the Environment.
Taylor, R., & Smith, I. (1997) The state of New Zealand's environment 1997. GP Publications.
