Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ecology-conservation

Introduction

### Course Review: Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation on Coursera If you’re intrigued by the intricate relationships that sustain our planet’s diverse ecosystems and are passionate about conservation, the **Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation** course offered on Coursera is an excellent choice to deepen your understanding. This course provides an engaging introduction to ecology, framed within a compelling case study of **Gorongosa National Park** in Mozambique. #### Overview The course employs a systems thinking approach, encouraging learners to view ecosystems as interconnected wholes. Throughout the course, you'll delve into various dimensions of ecology, pondering crucial conservation questions. By the end, you will be equipped to understand the complexities of ecosystem recovery from anthropogenic disruptions and the multifaceted role that humans play within these systems. #### Syllabus Highlights 1. **Can an Ecosystem Recover?** The course opens with a striking question: can Gorongosa's ecosystem recover after the devastation of civil war? This foundational week sets the stage by introducing the core components of ecosystems and their interrelations, urging students to consider the significance of each element and how they interact within a dynamic system. 2. **How Do We Study Populations?** This section narrows the focus to the populations that inhabit ecosystems. You’ll explore the roles various species play—such as keystone and indicator species—and how their removal or introduction can drastically shift ecological balance. This deep dive enriches your understanding of population dynamics and highlights the nuances of ecological research. 3. **How Do Species Coexist?** Here, the course shifts to community ecology, examining interspecies interactions. The lessons encourage critical thinking about the repercussions of population declines and the implications of introducing new species, illustrating the fragile balance within ecosystems. 4. **How is an Ecosystem a System?** This week emphasizes ecosystem functionality by analyzing the flow of energy and matter. You’ll engage with both biotic and abiotic factors that influence ecological health, paving the way for discussions about ecosystem resilience and thresholds. This segment demystifies complex ecological processes and empowers learners to appreciate the myriad influences that impact ecosystems. 5. **Can an Ecosystem Recover? (Part II)** The course concludes by revisiting the theme of human impact and management in ecosystems. It challenges learners to think critically about the Anthropocene era and the ethical considerations surrounding conservation efforts. You will consider pivotal questions such as "Should an ecosystem recover?" and "What does success look like in conservation?" This final discussion is particularly relevant in our rapidly changing world, addressing contemporary challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. #### Course Format and Learning Experience The course structure is thoughtfully designed, integrating video lectures, interactive quizzes, and comprehensive readings that foster an engaging learning environment. The emphasis on a **case study** not only makes the material relatable but also allows learners to see real-world applications of theoretical concepts. Discussions with peers provide an opportunity for collaborative learning and exchange of ideas, enhancing comprehension and retention. #### Course Recommendation I highly recommend **Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation** for anyone interested in environmental sciences, conservation practices, or ecology in general. Regardless of your background, the course balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, making it accessible and relevant. It’s particularly beneficial for students, environmental professionals, and anyone looking to enhance their understanding of ecosystem dynamics and the pressing challenges they face today. Moreover, the course’s applicability to real-world issues makes it a timely and impactful choice for sustainability advocates. Whether you are seeking a foundation in ecology or looking to deepen your existing knowledge, this course will equip you with the tools and insights needed to engage meaningfully with ecological and conservation challenges. Enroll today and embark on a journey to understand and protect our planet's precious ecosystems!

Syllabus

Can an Ecosystem Recover?

We begin in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, and pose the question: Can this ecosystem recover after a 15-year civil war? To answer this question, learners must first consider what they need to know—what are the parts that make up this ecosystem, and how do they interact and work together? How do ecosystems react to disruption? How do we know? We will begin to explore the ecosystem as a dynamic whole rather than as a collection of parts, considering how changes might affect the system in a variety of ways. This application of a systems thinking lens to understanding ecosystems will be a common theme throughout the course.

This week, we narrow the focus to populations within ecosystems. Who or what populates an ecosystem, and what are their roles? How do these roles change over time? What happens when a species is removed from a system? How do scientists study the populations within an ecosystem, from its largest to its smallest inhabitants? You will explore the important roles different species can play—such as ecosystem engineers, keystone species, and indicator species—and how they shape their ecosystems.

This week we focus on community ecology and further explore the interactions between species in an ecosystem. For instance, how does the decline in a population from an ecosystem (as was the case in Gorongosa) affect the other players? How does adding a population -- such as an invasive species or translocated herds -- affect an ecosystem?

This week, we will further their understanding about what makes an ecosystem a system by examining the flow of energy and matter through different parts of the environment. This includes understanding the interactions of biotic and abiotic factors within an ecosystem and the services each component provides. We will introduce the complicated effects of both abiotic (climate change) and biotic (herbivory) interactions within a coastal salt marsh system, touching on ecological concepts of thresholds in a system and ecosystem resistance and resilience.

This week we conclude by focusing on the role of humans in ecosystems: how humans interact with and are shaped by their environments. We explore the meaning of the “anthropocene” (the title given to the current geological age in recognition of significant impact of human activities) and investigate management approaches that balance human needs and biodiversity. We also return to Gorongosa National Park to wrap up the course, shifting the conversation from "Can an ecosystem recover?" to "Should it recover?" and "What does a successful recovery look like?" We explore how conservation might have to adjust to future challenges such as climate change, extinctions, and human population growth. We also introduce the idea that a spectrum of conservation approaches is necessary, from the preservation of land and species, to the integration of biodiversity into market economies, to the creation and management of “novel” ecosystems.