This is a lecture and discussion course that looks at the direct and indirect interactions among species that play a major role in determining the structure and composition of plant and animal communities. Emphasis is given to the integration of local and regional processes influencing coexistence and species diversity. Each week we examine the theoretical and empirical studies underlying species interactions and discuss a recent research paper on the theme. A term paper at the end of the course provides an opportunity to develop a proposal to examine one of these interactions in more detail.

3 semester hours; meets three times a week; offered Fall Even years