Camila Pizano

Plants are not only fundamental for human survival and well-being, but they also sustain other life forms in all terrestrial ecosystems. This course examines the life of plants and their intrinsic interactions with each other, other organisms (herbivores, mycorrhizal fungi, seed dispersers, pathogens, etc.) and the environment. Topics discussed include how different plant species compete for resources and space, how plants have adapted to extreme ecosystems, and their interactions with multiple other organisms in both natural and urban ecosystems. Some of these topics will be further explored in Lab and field projects, readings (textbook excerpts, magazine and journal articles, book chapters, and interviews) and podcasts. Course work and assignments include collecting information and samples from plants in urban and natural settings such as pollen morphology, pollination activity, and mycorrhizal fungi presence/absence. Some of these activities will be done outside and others also in lab.

Earth is full of a spectacular diversity of life forms as a result of more than 4 million years of evolution. However, human modification of ecosystems has significantly altered natural habitats and landscapes, impacting organisms inhabiting them. This course explores the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss, and how the field of conservation biology, an inter-disciplinary field, brings together different areas such as ecology, social science, genetics, anthropology, communication, sociology and restoration to identify problems and solutions to the loss of ecosystems and species. This class begins by exploring why biodiversity is important and valuable from different angles, disciplines, and instrumental arguments, while exploring the main consequences of biodiversity loss. In collaboration with Chicago¿s multiple conservation agencies, the class then turns attention to local efforts of conservation of land and aquatic species and ecosystems. Course work includes discussions, worksheets, quizzes, online videos and readings (textbook excerpts, magazine, journal and newspaper articles, book chapters, interviews), as well as talks by invited speakers. There will be required field trips to the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, and the Chicago Botanic Garden.