3743.06 - Aquatic ecology

3743.06

Aquatic ecology

6

To give an overview of biological oceanography and limnology. The course gives and overview of the pelagic and benthic environment, with examples from the Faroe islands. Main emphasis is on the sea.

Pelagic ecology Life conditions in the pelagic. The abiotic environment. Primary production, physical, chemical and physiological preconditions. Structure, function and adaptations of primary producers. Structure, function and adaptations of herbivores and carnivors. Cycling of organic and inorganic material. Food chains and food webs. The benthic environment and organism adaptations. Physical and chemical properties of marine sediments. Benthic flora and fauna. Its structure, function and adaption to the environment Detritus and sedimentation. Interspesific relations in the benthic envionment. Benthic consumers. Decomposers: structure, function and adaptations. Ecology of hyperbenthos Trophic relations. Pelagic and benthic energy flow through trophic levels. Fresh water Lakes. Streams.

45 lectures & 15 hours seminar.

4 hours written examination. No aids. Marks are also given for written exercises. The average of the marks weighs 20 % of the examination. The 13-grade scale is used.

Eilif Gaard