This course focuses on the patterns and processes that make forested ecosystems unique biological communities. Topics for examination include forest structure, composition and dynamics, and biotic/abiotic interactions at the species, stand, and landscape levels. The emphasis is on temperate forest systems of North America, especially those of the Southern Appalachians. Students spend considerable time in the field both during class periods and on their own learning woody plant identification and understanding the ecological context in which different species grow. The course serves as the foundation for the Sustainable Forestry Concentration in Environmental Studies and is a prerequisite for ENS 3340 Silviculture and ENS 3330 Introduction to Forest Management. Includes a regular lab period. This course is cross-listed with ENS 2330 Forest Biology.Prerequisite: BIO 1160 General Biology or ENS 1170 Introduction to Environmental Science.
- Teacher: Eric Griffin