91123 Biocomplexity

This subject addresses the question of what it takes for life to exist in the range of habitats across the globe? There is considerable variation among living organisms, including humans, in their biology and how they interact with their environment. This subject explore the problems faced by living organisms in order to live in different habitats, and demonstrates the strategies of plants, animals, fungi and bacteria that have evolved to cope with the vast array of habitats on Earth. The various habitats and their abiotic and biotic conditions provide a framework of this subject. The order in which these are treated is reflected in the order of the evolution of life, i.e. movement from the sea to the land (and in some cases back to the sea). All major higher taxa are discussed comparatively in each habitat to better demonstrate the diversity of evolutionary strategies that have evolved in response to environmental conditions. The subject concludes with considerations of the sustainable use of animals, plants, fungi and bacteria as resources for humans.

Typical availability

Spring semester, City campus