BIO 256 - Applied Insect Ecology

This group investigation will examine two applied ecology problems, one on insect pollinator communities and another on populations of an urban forest pest.  Pollinator communities may be adversely affected in an urbanizing landscape, while a forest pest may actually benefit in the same landscape.  We will investigate the effects of park size, location, surrounding land use, and plant diversity on insect pollinator diversity.  We will also investigate the spatial and temporal dynamics of the fall cankerworm as well as assess the effectiveness of control efforts.  Both projects have community-based learning and outreach components. Participants will study insect population and community ecology, learn basic GIS and other digital skills, insect identification, and hone skills in experimental design, data analysis and science communication.

Prerequisites & Notes
Successful completion of BIO 112/114, ENV 201, or permission of instructor.