The How and Why of Communities - A Biogeographic Perspective

Explore the fundamental principles of community ecology and biogeography in this comprehensive lecture. Delve into the factors that shape species distributions, community assembly, and biodiversity patterns across different spatial and temporal scales. Gain insights into the ecological and evolutionary processes driving community structure and dynamics, including dispersal, competition, and environmental filtering. Examine case studies and real-world examples to understand how biogeographic perspectives inform conservation strategies and ecosystem management. Learn about cutting-edge research methods and analytical tools used to study community ecology in the context of global environmental change. By the end of this lecture, develop a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between species, their environments, and the historical and contemporary forces that shape ecological communities.