BIOL 1200 - 6A Biological Diversity and Conservation

Biological diversity (biodiversity) is essential for healthy, functioning ecosystems that form the basic life support system for all living creatures on earth, including humans. The current reduction of biodiversity (extinction rate) is estimated between 100-1000 times the historical background rate and presents a potentially existential challenge for human society. In this course, we will examine biodiversity: how it is measured, the causes and effects of the current rate of its decrease, and efforts to conserve the remaining biodiversity and difficulties these efforts face.