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Ecosystems of California

Erika Zavaleta

This course surveys the diversity, structure and functioning of California’s ecosystems through time and the ways they have influenced and responded to human activities and stewardship. Topics include ecosystem drivers such as climate, soils, and land use history; human and ecological prehistory of the state; comparative marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystem dynamics; and managed ecosystems such as range, fisheries and agriculture in California. The course also emphasizes important skills to understand as a scientist or consumer of scientific information, including data collection, natural history, and writing.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Drivers of Statewide Patterns

Marine Systems

Mountains, Lakes, & Deserts

Lowland Systems

Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the diverse ecosystems of California through an interdisciplinary lens, providing a comprehensive understanding of their structure and dynamics

Taught by Erika Zavaleta, a recognized expert in the field of ecology and conservation, ensuring the quality and accuracy of the course content

Covers a wide range of topics, including marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems, providing a holistic view of California's environmental systems

Emphasizes practical skills such as data collection, natural history, and writing, equipping learners with essential tools for scientific research and communication

May require prior knowledge in ecology or environmental science for full comprehension of the course material

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Reviews summary

California ecosystem compendium

Learners say that this well-structured and engaging course is a great collection of information on the diverse ecosystems of California. Erika Zavaleta's engaging video lectures are especially praised in the reviews, which note that they effectively bring the course material to life. Students appreciate the course's well-produced videos and described its quizzes as valuable learning tools. Learners note that the final exam is difficult but also acknowledge that this project is a valuable learning experience. Overall, those surveyed agree that this is an excellent course for those wishing to learn more about the ecosystems of California.

Capstone project encourages critical thinking.

"The final project was so much fun."

"This course has inspired to learn more about related topics."

"I asked a question but there wasn't anyone in the discussion to answer before the submission deadline."

Instructor's enthusiasm and expertise shine through.

"Dr. Zavaleta spoke clearly, concisely, and shared her enthusiasm with the learner."

"I would take another course with her as instructor!"

"The instructor was easy to understand and she conveyed enthusiasm for the content."

Course is well-organized and easy to navigate.

"The course was well-structured, informative, and fun."

"I love that we are able to save notes and refer back to them later."

Assessments challenge and reinforce learning.

"I thought there were a wide and interesting range of topics."

"Written questions were valuable, and extended my thinking."

"The final exam was tough!"

Engaging videos bring learning to life.

"The videos were excellent and allowed me to virtually visit each ecosystem."

"The videos were very well filmed and edited nicely."

"It felt like I was taking a science road trip through California."

Course provides a holistic understanding of California's ecosystems.

"This shows California outdoors from top to bottom."

"Really good info on all the plants, animals and outdoor environments."

"Such a great collection of information about the different ecosystems of California."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ecosystems of California with these activities:

Read California's Ecosystems by Peter W. Moyle

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Provides a comprehensive overview of California's diverse ecosystems and their interconnectedness.

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Read the book and take notes on the major concepts and principles discussed
Create a mind map or summary diagram to organize the information

Explore online resources for citizen science projects

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Provides opportunities to engage with scientific research and contribute to data collection on California's ecosystems.

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Search for citizen science projects related to environmental monitoring or conservation in California
Select a project that aligns with your interests and available time commitment
Follow the project's instructions to collect data and submit your observations

Join a study group focused on California's ecosystems

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Fosters collaboration, discussion, and peer learning to enhance understanding of the course material.

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Find or create a study group with peers enrolled in the course
Set regular meeting times to discuss lecture topics, readings, and assignments
Work together to answer questions, share perspectives, and support each other's learning

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Practice ecosystem mapping

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Reinforces concepts related to marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystem dynamics through hands-on practice.

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Collect data on a local ecosystem, including species diversity, plant communities, and environmental variables
Create a map using GIS software or online tools to visualize the ecosystem's spatial relationships
Analyze the map to identify patterns and relationships between different ecosystem components

Contribute to the California Ecosystem Observatory project

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Allows students to participate in ongoing research and contribute to the understanding of California's ecosystems using open data.

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Explore the California Ecosystem Observatory website and find areas where you can contribute
Choose a project or task that aligns with your interests and skills
Follow the project guidelines and contribute your work to the open-source repository

Develop case studies on environmental issues

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Enhances understanding of how human activities impact California's ecosystems by exploring real-world examples.

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Research and select an environmental issue related to a specific ecosystem in California
Gather data and conduct interviews with experts to investigate the issue's causes, impacts, and potential solutions
Write a case study report that presents the findings, analysis, and recommendations

Develop a data visualization for California's climate change impacts

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Involves data analysis, visualization techniques, and critical thinking to demonstrate the effects of climate change on ecosystems.

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Gather data on climate change impacts in California from scientific databases or reputable sources
Select appropriate data visualization techniques (e.g., charts, graphs, maps) to present the data effectively
Create the data visualization using appropriate software or tools
Interpret the results and draw conclusions about the impacts of climate change on California's ecosystems

Participate in local conservation or restoration efforts

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Offers practical experience and firsthand insights into ecosystem management and conservation.

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Identify local organizations involved in conservation or restoration projects
Contact the organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities
Participate in activities such as habitat restoration, invasive species removal, or wildlife monitoring

Career center

Learners who complete Ecosystems of California will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist applies scientific principles and methods to improve the environment and human health. This course provides a solid basis in California's ecosystems. Studying the impact of human activities on these ecosystems is a major focus. As an Environmental Scientist, you should have a strong knowledge of ecosystems and be able to articulate solutions that protect the environment. This course may help you build a strong foundation in these areas.

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Ecologist

Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment. This course helps you build a foundation in the study of ecosystems, which would help you succeed as an Ecologist. Especially if you are interested in working in California. A focus on ecosystem dynamics is one of the main focuses of the course syllabus.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ecologist

Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists apply ecological principles to the conservation and management of natural resources. The main focus of this course is to study California's ecosystems. Topics include drivers of these ecosystems and the impact of human activities on them. This knowledge is important for Conservation Scientists to have, especially if working in the state of California.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Natural Resource Manager

Natural Resource Managers oversee the management and conservation of natural resources. This course provides a detailed overview of California's ecosystems. Natural Resource Managers need to have a strong understanding of ecosystems and how to manage them. This course can help build that foundation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Natural Resource Manager

Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists study the biology, behavior, and conservation of wildlife. This course provides a solid foundation in the study of ecosystems, which is essential for Wildlife Biologists. Especially if working in the state of California. The course also places a special emphasis on data collection, an important skill for Wildlife Biologists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wildlife Biologist

Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants provide advice and guidance on environmental issues to businesses and organizations. This course helps build a solid foundation in ecosystems and their relationship with human activities. Environmental Consultants need to have a strong understanding of these topics in order to provide sound advice.

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Park Ranger

Park Rangers protect and manage natural resources in parks and other protected areas. This course helps build a foundation in the study of ecosystems, which would help you succeed as a Park Ranger. Especially if working in the state of California. The course also emphasizes the importance of stewardship, which is an important part of being a Park Ranger.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to a non-scientific audience. This course helps build a foundation in the study of ecosystems and the impact of human activities on the environment. Science Writers need to have a strong understanding of these topics in order to accurately communicate them to the public.

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Science Teacher

Science Teachers educate students about science and the natural world. This course helps build a foundation in the study of ecosystems, which would help you succeed as a Science Teacher. Especially if teaching in the state of California. The course also emphasizes the importance of data collection and scientific inquiry, which are important skills for Science Teachers.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators oversee the care and management of museum collections. This course helps build a foundation in the study of ecosystems and the impact of human activities on the environment. Museum Curators need to have a strong understanding of these topics in order to properly care for and interpret museum collections.

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Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Lawyers specialize in environmental law and represent clients in environmental cases. This course helps build a foundation in the study of ecosystems and the impact of human activities on the environment. Environmental Lawyers need to have a strong understanding of these topics in order to effectively represent their clients.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. This course helps build a foundation in the study of ecosystems and the impact of human activities on the environment. Policy Analysts need to have a strong understanding of these topics in order to effectively analyze and develop public policy.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop and implement plans for the development and use of land in urban areas. This course helps build a foundation in the study of ecosystems and the impact of human activities on the environment. Urban Planners need to have a strong understanding of these topics in order to effectively plan for the future of urban areas.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. This course helps build a foundation in the study of ecosystems and the impact of human activities on the environment. Environmental Engineers need to have a strong understanding of these topics in order to effectively design and implement solutions to environmental problems.

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Geographer

Geographers study the Earth's physical and human geography. This course helps build a foundation in the study of ecosystems and the impact of human activities on the environment. Geographers need to have a strong understanding of these topics in order to effectively study the Earth's geography.

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Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ecosystems of California.

This Place

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Comprehensive guide to the butterflies of California. It includes detailed descriptions, identification keys, and distribution maps for all of the state's native and naturalized butterflies.

Ecosystems of California

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

California ecosystem compendium

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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