BZ2450 - Biodiversity of Tropical Australia

This subject introduces the concept of biodiversity, its components, its origin and its maintenance, particularly by reference to the distinctive plants and animals of tropical Australia. Lectures and field work focus on a range of habitats, including rainforest and coastal systems. Studies of plants include an understanding of vegetation types and their diversity, and their importance as habitats, and the diversity of selected components of the vegetation. Studies of animals will include invertebrates, fish, frogs, reptiles, birds and mammals, especially marsupials. Co-evolving plant-animal interactions such as the development of pollination and dispersal systems are also explored.

Learning Outcomes

• develop an understanding of the meaning of biodiversity, its evolutionary and biogeographic origin and its current maintenance;
• develop an understanding of the plant and animal diversity of tropical Australia, especially by reference to selected habitats and taxa;
• acquire an understanding of conservation issues relevant to tropical biodiversity;
• develop competency in basic biological literacy, and oral and written communication skills.

Subject Assessment

• end of semester exam (40%)
• quizzes or tests (35%)
• essays (10%)
• field trip report; (15%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.