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Course Objectives
The course examines the unique ecological roles of insects and considers aspects of insect biology as they relate to relationships between individuals and populations and their environment. Students will learn key elements in these relationships, with a particular emphasis on current areas of controversy. Also, students will learn techniques used in ecological studies on insects.
Course Activities
Lecture, outside readings (book chapters, reviews, and selected original literature), paper reviews for in-class discussion, computer exercises and problem sets from Analyses in Insect Ecology and Management (for graduate students only, undergraduates may complete these for extra credit), regular essays (6-7), and three exams. Essays are due one week after assigned. Late assignments will be reduced in grade, unless excused by the instructor.
Grading
Examinations - Exam coverage will include all lecture material including the lecture immediately prior to the exam, unless otherwise announced. The final is not comprehensive. Exam format primarily will be short answer and essay, and exams (including the final) will be take home.
| Class assignments and participation | 400 (approximately) |
| Exams (3 exams with 100 pts/exam) | 300 |
| Total | 700 |
Letter grades will be assigned based on a scale no harsher than straight percentages of 100-90% A range, 89-80% B range, etc.; however, I reserve the right to use a more lenient grading scale.
Required References: (only for graduate students)
Pedigo, L. P. and M. R. Zeiss. 1996. Analyses in Insect Ecology and Management. Iowa State Univ. Press, Ames IARecommended References:
Andewartha, H. G., and L. C. Birch. 1984. The Ecological Web. Univ. of Chicago Press, ChicagoCourse Outline By Subject Area
Autecology|
Ent 406/806 Lecture Outline (topics and dates are tenative) |
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Date |
Topic |
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Jan. 12 |
Introduction to Insect Ecology |
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Jan. 14 |
Insect Size and Its Ecological Implications |
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Jan. 16 |
Insect Size continued |
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Jan. 19 |
Temperature |
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Jan. 21 |
Temperature continued |
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Jan. 23 |
Water and Humidity |
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Jan. 26 |
Migration |
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Jan. 28 |
Diapause |
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Jan. 30 |
Diapause continued |
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Feb. 2 |
Sociality |
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Feb. 4 |
Sociality continued |
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Feb. 6 |
Sociality continued |
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Feb. 9 |
Insect-Plant Relationships; EXAM 1 |
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Feb. 11 |
Insect-Plant Relationships |
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Feb. 13 |
Insect-Plant Relationships; EXAM 1 Due |
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Feb. 16 |
OPEN |
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Feb. 18 |
Chemical Communication |
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Feb. 20 |
Arthropod-Induced Plant Stress |
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Feb. 23 |
Arthropod-Induced Plant Stress |
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Feb. 25 |
Arthropod-Induced Plant Stress |
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Feb. 27 |
OPEN |
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Mar. 2 |
Populations |
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Mar. 4 |
Dispersion* |
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Mar. 6 |
Dispersion |
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Mar. 9 |
No Class – NCB-ESA meeting |
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Mar. 11 |
No Class – NCB-ESA meeting |
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Mar. 13 |
Density- Sampling Programs |
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Mar. 16 |
Density-Sampling continued* |
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Mar. 18 |
Density-Sampling continued* |
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Mar. 20 |
Natality – Reproductive Strategies |
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Mar. 23 |
SPRING BREAK |
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Mar. 25 |
SPRING BREAK |
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Mar. 27 |
SPRING BREAK |
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Mar. 30 |
Natality – Mating Strategies; EXAM 2 |
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Apr. 1 |
Natality – Sexual Selection |
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Apr. 3 |
Mortality – Introduction; EXAM 2 Due |
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Apr. 6 |
Mortality – Conclusion |
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Apr. 8 |
Biotic Potential |
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Apr. 10 |
Age Structure |
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Apr. 13 |
Population Regulation |
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Apr. 15 |
Population Regulation continued |
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Apr. 17 |
Population Regulation continued |
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Apr. 20 |
Population Analysis |
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Apr. 22 |
Population Analysis |
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Apr. 24 |
Mathematical Population Modeling and Chaos |
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Apr. 27 |
Applied Ecology and Pest Management |
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Apr. 29 |
Applied Ecology continued |
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May 1 |
Applied Ecology continued |
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May 4 |
Monday, FINAL EXAM Due (in my office by 5 p.m.) |
