Marine Animal Ecology

This course aims at building knowledge and understanding of functioning and adaptation of marine animals in their (changing) environment. We focus on understanding marine animal ecology within four broad themes: biodiversity assessment, restoration ecology, eco-physiology, and food web ecology. We explore data sets within the four themes to create scientifically sound visualizations, and invite students to individually write and present their own research proposal.

Adaptation involves different ecological and evolutionary time-scales, from short-term plasticity to long-term (genetic) adaptation. As such, a multi-level approach is taken in the course while exploring the four themes. Within biodiversity assessment, we shed light on the state-of-the-art of biodiversity monitoring and analysis techniques, on a genetic, species, and community level. Understanding biodiversity leads into the theme of coral reef restoration, where we discuss ecological implications of restoration practices. Next, within the theme of eco-physiology, we study individual adaptation at the organismal level. Lastly, the theme food web ecology focuses on monitoring large predators in addition to techniques such as isotope analyses which can both be used to study food webs.

The latest developments in the field will be used to illustrate ecological concepts in temperate and tropical ecosystems. Understanding these concepts is vital to assess the adaptive responses of animals and ecosystems to both global and local influences. Current techniques that are used in marine animal ecology will be practiced and discussed.

We expect active participation from the students during interactive lectures, tutorials, practicals, and group and individual work. The students are assessed based on the output of their group work (a graphical abstract based on a provided data set, 35% of final grade), and their individual research proposal (50%) and pitch (15%).

• Explain relevant terms, principles, processes and concepts in marine animal ecology

• Produce and analyse experimental data

• Analyse and visualise provided data from field or experimental studies

• Collect and critically evaluate scientific information

• Design a research approach including a testable hypothesis to address a specific question

• Create a graphical abstract and elaborate on it during a poster session

• Write a research proposal on a current issue in marine animal ecology

• Present and defend a research proposal, while conveying the message in a compelling manner

• ? (35%) Group assignment - Graphical abstract,
• ? (50%) Individual research proposal.
• ? (15%) Individual pitch of proposal.

ZSS06100 Laboratory Safety, ZSS06200 Fieldwork Safety AFI31306 Life History of Aquatic Organisms; AEW32306 Marine Systems

• Course guide, practical/tutorial guides, and thematic peer-review publications.