GEL 335 - Extinction (3 cr.)

Discussion of the Biodiversity Crisis and the Concept of the Minimum Viable Population in light of both human induced and natural biological and physical causes for extinction. Survey of the process of extinction ranging from recent extinctions of individual species to mass extinction events in the fossil record. Examines the controversies over the importance of these forcing mechanisms on a global scale and as models for human induced disturbance of the biosphere.
Liberal arts
Prerequisite(s): An introductory course in Biology, Environmental Science, or Geology.
Semester(s) Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer