Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
June 15 - June 25, 2007

BIOL 3853 (Undergraduate Credit)
MLA 6753 (Graduate Credit)

Course Description

Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands have been described as the greatest living laboratory for the study of evolution and natural history. Many of the plant and animal species are unique and are found nowhere else in the world. The islands’ animals are also unusual in showing no fear of man and are easily approached, observed and studied. The active volcanoes of the Galapagos provide opportunities for geological investigation and for studying primary succession, and evolutionary mechanisms.

This course will deal with evolution and natural history during a tour of the Galapagos Islands. Projects at the Darwin Research Station will be examined. While literally "walking in the footsteps of Darwin,” course participants will study evolution, volcanism, natural history, conservation and ecology in these remote and isolated volcanic islands.

The tour will also visit the beautiful city of Quito and its environs.
Quito is in a high valley, surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes. It has a rich cultural tradition and its flora and fauna will be a contrast to the
wildlife of the Galapagos.

Vans will be used to visit the cultural center of Otavalo. Visits to the national parks of mainland Ecuador and to a cloud forest will introduce participants to the fauna and flora of the highlands.

Students will be encouraged to do preliminary reading, make their own observations on location, and interact with local experts. To receive credit for the course, participants will be required to write essays, make oral presentations, and submit worksheets over the following topics:

Volcanic formation of the islands and their subsequent erosion

Geologic characteristics of the islands and Ecuador

Isolation and speciation in island environments

Endemism, exotics, extinction and conservation of Ecuador’s fragile biological communities

Ecology and evolution of the Galapagos terrestrial communities

Ecology of marine communities, including the effects of El Nino

Primary succession on lava

Management of the Galapagos’ unique flora and fauna by the Ecuadorian Park Service

A comparison of flora and fauna of the mainland of Ecuador with that of the Galapagos

Tropical agriculture in Ecuador

Conservation of a major center of diversity for New World agriculture

Ethnobiology

Ecotourism and environmental issues in a third world country

The small group will explore the islands and mainland Ecuador with local experts, who will stimulate interest in the topics listed above. There will be presentations, speakers, and discussions. During many short hikes, excursions, and snorkeling trips there will be opportunities to examine the unique fauna, flora and culture of Ecuador and the Galapagos. Participants will be introduced to basic concepts in conservation science; selected ecological, biological, and geological principles; and ecosystem and plate tectonic models.

Prerequisites

Participants are expected to represent many disciplines and to contribute their individual perspectives. Previous academic and/or
professional experience is desirable. Natural history studies are well suited to participants with diverse backgrounds since they encompass several disciplines (geology, biology, ecology, environmental science).

Instructor

Dr. Lois Kruschwitz has special interests in tropical biology and has taught similar courses since 1980. Her natural history presentations have been made to many academic and special interest travel groups. In addition to Dr. Kruschwitz, local naturalists will lend their expertise and will assist participants in understanding unique aspects of the natural history of Ecuador and the Galapagos.

Costs and Enrollment Information

Pricing information available on request. Normal tuition and fee charges apply for credit-seeking students. Contact Professor Kruschwitz at (303) 444-2555 or eco@earthnet.net

Rocky Mt. Field Biology
July 14 - July 21, 2007

 

The moose, Alces alces L., is the largest living member of the deer family, the Cervidae. The moose is readily recognizable, with its distinctive antlers, short tail (100 mm) and large body (up to 300 cm in length). Moose are distributed across northern North America and northern Eurasia.

Course Description

BIOL 3853 (Undergraduate Credit)
MLA 6753 (Graduate Credit)

A field-oriented lecture and laboratory course, given at an alpine center near Granby, Colorado. This course will examine the biology and ecology of the Rocky Mountains. Hiking, canoeing and outdoor instruction are included. Cost is $300 plus tuition, including room and board but not transportation. Additional course credit can be arranged. For more information call the Division of Science and Mathematics office at (405) 208-5035, or contact Dr. Lois Kruschwitz at (303)444-2555 oreco@earthnet.net