MSCI 579 - Marine Benthic Ecology

(3 credits) A comprehensive review of the structure and function of soft bottom marine communities. Taxonomic coverage ranges from microbial members (bacteria and microphytobenthos) to megafauna and demersal fishes. Covered topics include: intertidal communities, roles of predation and competition, cryptic coloration, biodiversity, benthic pelagic coupling, landscape ecology, anthropogenic impacts, and more. Three lecture hours per week. Every other year. S