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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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/sc6csh/ecosystems
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What's inside
Syllabus
Drivers of Statewide Patterns
Marine Systems
Mountains, Lakes, & Deserts
Read more
Syllabus
Drivers of Statewide Patterns
Marine Systems
Mountains, Lakes, & Deserts
Read more
Lowland Systems
Conclusion
Good to know
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
Show steps
Provides a comprehensive overview of California's diverse ecosystems and their interconnectedness.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Provides opportunities to engage with scientific research and contribute to data collection on California's ecosystems.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Fosters collaboration, discussion, and peer learning to enhance understanding of the course material.
Show steps
-
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
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice ecosystem mapping
Show steps
Reinforces concepts related to marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystem dynamics through hands-on practice.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Allows students to participate in ongoing research and contribute to the understanding of California's ecosystems using open data.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Enhances understanding of how human activities impact California's ecosystems by exploring real-world examples.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Involves data analysis, visualization techniques, and critical thinking to demonstrate the effects of climate change on ecosystems.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Offers practical experience and firsthand insights into ecosystem management and conservation.
Show steps
-
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
Read California's Ecosystems by Peter W. Moyle
Show steps
Provides a comprehensive overview of California's diverse ecosystems and their interconnectedness.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Provides opportunities to engage with scientific research and contribute to data collection on California's ecosystems.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Fosters collaboration, discussion, and peer learning to enhance understanding of the course material.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice ecosystem mapping
Show steps
Reinforces concepts related to marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystem dynamics through hands-on practice.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Allows students to participate in ongoing research and contribute to the understanding of California's ecosystems using open data.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Enhances understanding of how human activities impact California's ecosystems by exploring real-world examples.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Involves data analysis, visualization techniques, and critical thinking to demonstrate the effects of climate change on ecosystems.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Offers practical experience and firsthand insights into ecosystem management and conservation.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
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.
Ecologist
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.
Conservation Scientist
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.
Natural Resource Manager
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.
Wildlife Biologist
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.
Environmental Consultant
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.
Park Ranger
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.
Science Writer
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.
Science Teacher
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.
Museum curator
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.
Environmental Lawyer
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.
Policy Analyst
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.
Urban Planner
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.
Environmental Engineer
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.
Geographer
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/sc6csh/ecosystems
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.
Save
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.
Comprehensive guide to the amphibians and reptiles of California. It includes detailed descriptions, identification keys, and distribution maps for all of the state's native and naturalized amphibians and reptiles.
Classic account of the natural history of the Sierra Nevada, and valuable resource for anyone interested in the region's ecosystems.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the natural history of the Channel Islands, and valuable resource for anyone interested in the region's ecosystems.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the natural history of San Diego County, and valuable resource for anyone interested in the region's ecosystems.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the natural history of the North Coast, and valuable resource for anyone interested in the region's ecosystems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the natural history of the Central Coast, and valuable resource for anyone interested in the region's ecosystems.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the natural history of the mountains, and valuable resource for anyone interested in the region's ecosystems.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/sc6csh/ecosystems
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Level
Introductory
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University of California, Santa Cruz
Instructor
Erika Zavaleta
Language
English
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Good to know
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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