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BIO 356 - Biology of Plankton and Lab Prerequisites: BIO 103 , and BIO 104 or NATSC 103 , or consent of instructor Fulfills a course requirement in the Biology and Marine Biology Core Concentration. Fulfills a Marine Biology elective in the Organismal and Ecology category Despite their small size, plankton constitute one of the largest components of the world’s biomass. As primary producers and primary consumers, planktonic organisms are the essential food source at the base of marine and freshwater food webs. Plankton also play important roles in nutrient recycling and in regulating the concentration of atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide and oxygen. This survey course will investigate the biology and ecology of marine planktonic organisms including systematic studies of select planktonic groups (e.g. Diatoms, Dinoflagellates, Copepods), ecological studies of marine phyto and zooplankton (e.g. harmful algal blooms, grazing) and discussions of environmental parameters that affect primary and secondary production and plankton distribution. The laboratory portion of the course will emphasize methodologies for sampling, collecting, handling and culturing planktonic organisms. Several class research projects will precede a 4-5 week research project to be completed independently in consultation with course instructors.
4 credits Alternate Spring
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