BSC 1254 Tropical Marine Ecology

This is an introductory course for non-science majors, utilizing basic scientific methodology in understanding the interrelationships between various marine tropical communities. Topics include the geology of the Atlantic and the Caribbean, marine flora and fauna - their physical, chemical and biological aspects, subtropical and tropical coastal, estuarine and intertidal communities, tropical nearshore communities - mangrove, seagrass and coral reef ecosystems, and biodiversity of the marine environment. Students study the adaptation of marine life in surface waters and in deep ocean and the effects of pollution on tropical marine ecosystems.