Details of LS3201 (Spring 2026)
| Level: 3 | Type: Theory | Credits: 4.0 |
| Course Code | Course Name | Instructor(s) |
|---|---|---|
| LS3201 | Ecology | Anuradha Bhat, Robert John Chandran |
| Preamble |
|---|
| This course provides a basis understanding of ecology and complexity in ecosystems. The course begins with a broad introduction to the definition of ecology and importance of ecological studies. It then explores the theoretical concepts that helped develop the basis for our current understanding of patterns in populations and communities and the relationships between biotic and abiotic factors in ecosystems. The more contemporary issues related to conservation biology, climate change impacts and the role of anthropogenic activities in alteration to ecosystem structure and function are also covered in this course. |
| Syllabus |
|---|
| Syllabus
The environment: Physical environment, Biotic environment, Biotic and abiotic interactions. Habitat niche: Concept of habitat and niche; niche width and overlap; fundamental and realized niche; resource partitioning; character displacement. Population ecology: Characteristics of a population, population growth curves, population regulation, life history strategies (r and K selection), concept of metapopulation demes and dispersal, interdemic extinctions, age structured populations. Species interactions: Types of interactions, Interspecific competition, Herbivory, Carnivory, Pollination, Symbiosis. Community ecology: Nature of communities, Community structure and attributes, Levels of species diversity and its measurement, Edges and ecotones. Ecological succession: Types of mechanisms, Changes involved in succession, Concept of climax. Ecosystem: Structure and function, Energy flow and mineral cycling (CNP), Primary production and decomposition, Structure and function of some Indian ecosystems, Terrestrial (forest, grassland) and aquatic (fresh water, marine, estuarine). Biogeography: Major terrestrial biome, theory of island biogeography, Biogeographical zones of India. Applied Ecology: Environmental pollution, Global environmental change, Biodiversity-status, Monitoring and documentation, Major drivers of biodiversity change, Biodiversity management approaches. Conservation Biology: Principles of conservation, Major approaches to management, Indian case studies on conservation/management strategy (Project Tiger, Biosphere reserves). |
| References |
|---|
| References
1. Ecology. Charles Krebs. Benjamin Cummins, 5th Edition. 2. Ecology. Robert Ricklefs. W. H. Freeman, 6th Edition |
Course Credit Options
| Sl. No. | Programme | Semester No | Course Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IP | 2 | Elective |
| 2 | IP | 4 | Elective |
| 3 | MP | 2 | Not Allowed |
| 4 | MP | 4 | Not Allowed |
| 5 | MR | 2 | Elective |
| 6 | MR | 4 | Elective |
| 7 | MS | 10 | Elective |
| 8 | MS | 4 | Not Allowed |
| 9 | MS ( Biological Sciences ) | 6 | Core |
| 10 | MS | 8 | Elective |
| 11 | RS | 1 | Elective |
| 12 | RS | 2 | Elective |