From jungles and rain forests to the driest deserts and barren arctic terrain, Planet Earth comprises a breathtaking array of ecosystems. As quickly becomes apparent, no one ecosystem exists independently of the rest, and no matter where a person resides, an understanding of all the ecosystems and how they work together as a living planet provides a better understanding of man's place on Earth and the future of the environment.In this series of lectures, renowned ornithologist John Kricher presents an absorbing analysis of the diverse ecosystems that exist on Planet Earth. He provides a factual study of the many fragile and threatened portions of our biosphere while describing the interaction between each system and the effect of man's presence in these ecosystems. Professor Kricher also explains the amazing variety of flora and fauna that inhabit the individual ecosystems and addresses current ecological issues facing mankind.
Lecture 1 Ecology and the Big Picture
Lecture 2 Earth and the Goldilocks Effect
Lecture 3 Distribution of Global Ecosystems
Lecture 4 Climate and Ecology
Lecture 5 Biogeography and Evolution
Lecture 6 Polar Ecosystems and Tundra
Lecture 7 Boreal Forest
Lecture 8 Temperate Deciduous Forest
Lecture 9 Grassland and Savanna
Lecture 10 Desert
Lecture 11 Tropical Rainforest
Lecture 12 Marine Ecosystems
Lecture 13 Unique Coastal Ecosystems
Lecture 14 Current Issues in Global Ecology