Natural Sciences 191CNS26 - FYS- Boom&Bust:PopulationEco

Population ecology, the dynamic study of how and when species populations grow and shrink, informs our interpretation of our social and ecological world. In this discussion-based seminar, we will explore classic, quirky, and current examples of population ecology and the stories behind them. Can we eat invasive species to control them? Have Texan panthers helped Florida's panthers? Why exactly did the mammoth go extinct? Will human populations continue to skyrocket? Observation, analysis, inference, and curiosity are all central to scientific inquiry. We'll draw on all of these skills as we work through a semester of ecological exploration to better understand invasive species, environmental conservation efforts, species extinctions, rapid human population growth, and more.

Open to Natural Sciences Freshman with a declared major or on the Natural Sciences Exploratory Track.