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551-0712-00L 3 Credits
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Ecology, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, including excursions

Oekologie: Aquatische und terrestrische Systeme, inkl. Exkursionen (für Biologen)

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Hansrudolf Bürgi, Dr. Hansjörg Dietz
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:09:46

Abstract

Essentials of aquatic and terrestrial ecology. Introduction of basic methods for the analysis of aquatic and terrestrial populations. Comparisons of neophytes and indigenous plants. Chronology of herbs. Adaptations of organisms to specific habitats. Community ecology of plankton, neuston and benthos in lotic and lentic waters.

Objective

Principles in ecology. Case studies of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Understanding the distribution patterns and adaptations of organisms due to specific environmental factors of aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Overview of lentic and lotic waters.

Content

Ecology of lakes, ponds and streams (excursions to low land river and Lake Greifensee) Determination of the most important species of neuston, plankton and benthos. Analyses of the functional properties and adaptations of aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Life cycles with special focus on emerging insects at the shoreline. Ecological principles of organisms in terrestrial ecosystems. Study of population dynamics of terrestrial plants. Plasticity and integration of clonal plants. Analyses of processes of growing and ageing. Comparisons of neophytes and indigenous plants. Chronology of herbs.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Handouts of lecture courses

Literature

Determination of aquatic organisms: Kosmos Naturführer von Streble und Krauter: Das Leben im Wassertropfen respectively: W. Engelhardt: Was lebt in Tümpel Bach und Weiher. Recommended: Townsend, Harper & Begon (2003): Oekologie Springer- Verlag (ca. sFr 60.-) Overview: H.W. Bohle: Limnische Systeme , Springer Verlag Berlin

General Information

Language
German
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 60 minutes
Aids
Fachneutrales Wörterbuch für Fremd-sprachige Studierende

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Oekologie: Aquatische und terrestrische systeme, inkl. Exkursionen (für Biologen)
Exkursionen nach Vereinbarung 8:00-14:00
  • Thu 09:15-12:00 (LFW C 4)
3 h weekly

Offered In