Ecuadorian Ecosystems: Geography, Diversity, and Conservation
** available as of 01/01/2027
** available as of 01/01/2027
Ecuador is aptly known as "The Country of Four Worlds" due to its four distinct biogeographical landscapes: the Andean highlands, Amazonia, Coastal Region, and the Galapagos Islands. This immersive field-based course will take students to three of these four regions. Class begins during spring semester where students will learn the foundations of the natural history of Ecuadorian Ecosystems. The course then follows with a 3-week field component. Travel will begin in the Andean capital of Quito, from there we will venture to the heart of the Amazon within Yasuni Biosphere Reserve, next we move to the Andean Cloud forests, and finally, the course finishes in the world-famous Galapagos Islands. This course is designed to provide tangible, real-world exposure to the biology and ecosystems of Ecuador.
Outcomes: Develop a working understanding of the geographical diversity and distinction of three ecosystems: Andean highlands, Amazonia, and the Galapagos Islands; Develop a working understanding of the unique biota and endemic species of Ecuador and the complexity of the environments that gave rise to these organisms; Learn field techniques and monitoring for understanding ecological condition and species: behavioral monitoring, transects/plots/quadrants, and GPS points/tracking; Develop a working understanding of conservation methodology, especially which techniques have worked for each ecoregion and how conservationists, ecologists, government officials, and local people can do more to preserve the species and habitats of Ecuador; Learn and appreciate cultures of the Ecuadorian people while expanding one's own worldview, tolerance and acceptance.
Outcomes: Develop a working understanding of the geographical diversity and distinction of three ecosystems: Andean highlands, Amazonia, and the Galapagos Islands; Develop a working understanding of the unique biota and endemic species of Ecuador and the complexity of the environments that gave rise to these organisms; Learn field techniques and monitoring for understanding ecological condition and species: behavioral monitoring, transects/plots/quadrants, and GPS points/tracking; Develop a working understanding of conservation methodology, especially which techniques have worked for each ecoregion and how conservationists, ecologists, government officials, and local people can do more to preserve the species and habitats of Ecuador; Learn and appreciate cultures of the Ecuadorian people while expanding one's own worldview, tolerance and acceptance.