3 ECTS credits
75 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4003969ENR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.
The course ‘biogeography’ covers two aspects: (1) areography and historical biogeography and (2) ecological biogeography and eventually hypothesis/theory development. The first part is mostly descriptive and contributes in delineating scientific questions, the second aims at identifying mechanisms and processes. In order to clarify several aspects the course starts with a discussion on basis of a reading exercise (articles), outlining the history of the discipline and diverging views. The dichotomy areography/historical biogeography vs. ecological biogeography is to give direction, but often cross-references are made in order to avoid artificial subdivision. Biogeography indeed needs many supporting disciplines and it is now very dynamic, since many older theories and explanations on ranges and their causes have not been corroborated by new phylogenies and range data. Progressive insights, paradigm changes and in general biogeographic epistemology receive much attention.
In the first thematic approach the biogeographical methodology is presented, with numerous examples of analysis of plant and animal distribution (data sampling, cartography, scientific uncertainties and progressive insights, hypothesis), then actual areas of distribution are discussed on a species basis (dispersal, adaptation). The changing environment at a geological time scale (plate tectonics, historical climate variation, periods of glaciation) and the actual climate change. Customary biogeographical regions of the world are discussed for flora and fauna (with an emphasis on angiosperms resp. mammals). Whether these can be objectively delineated or how they are integrated into policy support and practical views is dealt with.
In the second thematic approach attention will be paid to aspects of ecological biogeography (island biogeography, MacArthur & Wilson hypothesis, patterns in species richness, species area curves, ecological ‘rules’ such as Bergmann’s and Rapoport’s rules) and to processes of dispersal, migration and invasion. Special attention is given to biogeography of domesticated biota with the historical domestication processes and explanatory hypotheses. Logically this touches upon biogeography of modern man.
The excursion abroad (a separate course in the Biology programme ‘Excursion Ecology’, 9-11 days) has a link to the contents of ‘Biogeography’ and illustrates and offers field observation concepts and principles of the course. Both can however be taken separately. For the MSc Geography the excursion is part of the course ‘Biogeography’ (with another ECTS-weight, 4-5 days).
Course material
Additional information
For the excursion (Geography students) weekends and holidays may be included.
This course explicitly contributes to the following competences of the Biology curriculum or of the curriculum of other programmes:
General
- Evaluate the scientific relevance (II)
Field specific
- Problem solving as a thinking process (IV)
- Plan and conduct research in an autonomous way (V)
- Extrapolation between different scientific fields (VI)
'Biogeography' as presented in this course covers areography, historical and ecological biogeography. Upon completion of the course work a student will be able to analyse the distribution pattern/area/range of a taxon and to develop a hypothesis explaining this observation.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Example of an oral examination :
1. On basis of a distribution map of taxon Y:
- discuss the distribution
- discuss the cartography of the map (visible and missing information)
- construct a hypothesis on the causes of this distribution with reference to available knowledge
2. Discuss biogeographical region or area X, its features and its affinities.
3. Outline whether the equilibrium hypothesis of MacArthur & Wilson can be tested.
4. A question on a scientific article (from a selected set of articles)
For geography students a question related to the excursion as well explanation of pictorial material (excursion observations) is part of the examination (species, vegetation, landscapes).
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Biology: Ecology and Biodiversity (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biology: Education (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biology: Ecology and Biodiversity
Master of Teaching in Science and Technology: biologie (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)