Marine Biodiversity and Biogeography

The oceans cover 71% of the earth’s surface and support an incredible diversity of life. This subject provides a comprehensive and contemporary overview of the biodiversity and biogeography of marine animals, plants and micro-organisms. It then explores the role that ecology and evolution play in shaping patterns of abundance, demography, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning in the marine realm.

• 1identify common marine organisms to broad taxonomic groups using key diagnostic features and apply this knowledge to understand patterns of biodiversity and biogeography;
• 2construct an argument (written and verbal) for how ecological and evolutionary processes produce patterns of variation in abundance, distribution, diversity and biogeography within and among marine species;
• 3critically evaluate methods and study designs used in marine research;
• 4design an experiment appropriate for a given question in marine biology and interpret data from relevant studies;
• 5synthesise primary scientific literature to identify key knowledge gaps and opportunities in our understanding of marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning; and
• 6effectively communicate key scientific concepts in marine biology and their real-world application in understanding patterns of abundance, demography, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning in the marine realm through written presentations and class discussion.