Department of Geography, Syracuse University

TROPICAL ENVIRONMENTS

GEO 300 (SEC 3), Prof. Jane M. Read, Fall 2002

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COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is an introduction to tropical ecosystems and their human dimensions.  The goal is to provide students with an understanding of these highly complex systems, including their distribution, structure, function (i.e., the biophysical processes), management, and importance.  We will start by looking at the physical environment (environmental history, climate and moisture regimes, soils and nutrient limitations), and then move on to examine biotic processes, and patterns and reasons for high biodiversity in the humid tropics.  We will then examine in detail tropical forest and savanna ecosystems, including topics such as deforestation and degradation, management (such as sustainable forestry in the Amazon, wildlife conservation in Kenya), agricultural systems, and land use.  Throughout the course we will make use of case studies to help understand the integrated natural and human systems of the tropics.

While the topical content of the course aims to provide students with an understanding of tropical regions from the perspective of the natural environment and human-environment interactions, class activities and assignments are also designed to give students practice with various skills.  These skills include researching the literature, comprehending and summarizing information, thinking critically, presenting, and writing.  There are no prerequisites to this course although an introductory physical geography or earth science course would be helpful.

Topics

·         Introduction to tropical environments

·         Tropical climates and moisture regimes

·         Tropical soils and nutrients

·         Biotas: population; biodiversity; diversification

·         Forests: structure and function; distribution; types; deforestation and degradation; management

·         Savannas: structure and function; distribution; processes (herbivory, fire)

·         Traditional and intensive agricultural systems; animal production

·         Land use

Last updated 6 December 2002