Pattern and Process in Landscape Ecology WIS 6468C, Spring 2011* Lcsr observed 2 r r 1 - r L 99% CI L(r) L(r) 0 for CSR -1 0 2 4Distance6 8 10 12 r Course Description In this course, we will identify and evaluate the central constructs and methods of landscape ecology. Landscape ecology is a relatively new branch of ecology that focuses specifically on how spatial heterogeneity influences ecological patterns and processes. Landscape ecology has both basic and applied elements, and it is often grounded in interpreting ongoing anthropogenic change. In the first half of the semester, we will learn common frameworks for studying landscape ecology, how to quantify spatial pattern, and we will identify general drivers of landscape pattern. In the second half of the semester, we will focus on how spatial structure influences ecology and conservation, including topics of habitat fragmentation, metapopulation dynamics, and spatial conservation prioritization. For each topic, we will not only critically examine the current state of the science, but we will also dive into the details of the approaches used to investigate the topic by applying concepts to data sets during lab. Lab content will include using GIS and R to provide an overview on topics such as spatial statistics (geostatistics, point pattern analysis, accounting for autocorrelation), connectivity and spatial network applications, land-cover change, and species distribution modeling. Throughout, we will discuss both real-world problems in ecology, management, and conservation as well as basic theory relevant for using landscape and spatial ecology as an effective framework for ecology and conservation. Instructor: Dr. Robert (Rob) Fletcher Office: 318 Newins-Ziegler Hall. Office Ph: 846-0632 ; E-mail: [email protected] Course location/times: Lecture: Tues, periods 5-6 (11:45-1:40) 115 Keene-Flint Hall (FLI) Lab: Thurs, periods 5-6 (11:45-1:40), McCarty B 2103 *Note that I will only be offering this course every other year from now on (odd years), so sign up now! .