Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Planet Earth is currently undergoing dramatic environmental changes accompanied by a severe loss in biodiversity. The overall rate and the magnitude of the loss in biodiversity within the different tiers of the global trophic web is widely considered to indicate the onset of a potentially major extinction event. Knowledge about extinction events, and in particular an understanding of the parameters that initiate and drive extinction processes, is paramount for any attempt of mitigation or even the prevention of extinction. The module is addressing the various aspects of extinction events (background extinction vs. mass extinction vs. global mass extinction [E.L.E.s], causes and triggers, spatial and temporal distribution, dynamic and feedback-systems, ecosystems affected, collapse of the global trophic web and its impact on the global biosphere, recovery, and diversification.
Aims
This module will provide you with a detailed knowledge and insight into extinction events by using very well studied deep-time and present-day examples. Employing a multi-disciplinary approach, it will examine in-detail the geological, biological and chemical aspects, investigate the causes and consequences, the dynamic and ultimately the results of extinction events. It aims to provide you with the fundamental background and skills required for the development and evaluation of mitigating and preventive strategies and their implementation.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Quantify and characterize deep time to present day variations in global biodiversity data: 1,2,3Differentiate between background extinctions, mass extinctions, and global mass extinction (E.L.E.s): 1,2,3Characterize and evaluate extinction related palaeoecological shifts on a (1) habitat scale (2) ecosystem scale (3) biosphere scale: 1,2,3Recognize the difference and quantify the ecological effects of (1) singular extinction triggers (2) interrelated extinction triggers (3) cascading and amplifying extinction triggers: 1,2,3Quantify and estimate the extinction- and recovery dynamics using multi-scaled ecospace models: 1,2,3
72h: 2 x 1hr in person lecture, 1 x 2hr in person seminar focus session, 1 x 2 hours additional background information per week.78h: independent study (recommended are 18 hours on background reading/online teaching materials and 60 hours for the preparation and drafting of the publication-style essay)
Description of Module Assessment
1: Class Test weighted 10%Class Test: Extinction - causes and magnitudeAn open-book class test on the causes of extinction events and their magnitude (background extinction, regional extinction, mass extinction).
2: Essay weighted 80%3200 word essay on Precambrian or Phanerozoic extinctionsA 3200 word publication-style essay on either a Precambrian or Phanerozoic extinction event covering the palaeobiological/geological pretext, trigger(s), dynamics, and ecological aftermath (including the recovery phase).
3: Class Test weighted 10%Class Test: Extinction - effects and ecological consequencesAn open-book class test on the effects and ecological consequences of extinction events (with a focus on the different trophic levels affected: local, regional, global)