Description
An overview of the science of conservation covering 1) the nature of conservation biology and the definition, origin, and global patterns of biodiversity, 2) the threats to biodiversity including habitat destruction and fragmentation, exotic species introductions, overexploitation, and disease, 3) how these threats affect the genetics and demographic processes of small populations, and 4) an introduction to the methods used to stop the loss of biodiversity including establishing new populations, ex situ conservation strategies, the design, establishment, and management of protected areas, and restoration ecology. Prerequisite: BIO 235 or permission of instructor.