rpo385

	Outline: RPO 385 *Aquatic Ecosystems* Subject Description Leonardo da Vinci stated that “water is the driving force of all Nature.” The degradation of streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands not only results in a lowering of water quality, but impacts other ecosystems and the human economy as well. This subject explores the definition, structure, and biology of different types of freshwater ecosystems in Ontario. Consideration is given to the stewardship of healthy ecosystems and the restoration of degraded ones. Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this subject, you will: know the characteristics which define the different categories of aquatic systems know the resources and procedures involved in plant animal identification be able to identify a list of aquatic plant and animal species common in Ontario know the life histories and habitat requirements of the common aquatic animal species of Ontario know the biotic and abiotic factors composing aquatic habitat know the materials used in bioengineering of degraded shorelines and streams know the techniques of planting and restoring aquatic habitat Textbook Requirements: Newmaster, Steven. 1997. Wetland Plants of Ontario. Edmonton: Lone Pine Publications Reference Material: Allen, R.T. 1970. The Great Lakes. Toronto: Natural Science of Canada Andrews, W.A. 1987. Investigating Aquatic Ecosystems. Scarborough: Prentice-Hall Bond, C.E., 1979. Biology of Fishes. Toronto: Saunders Commoner, B., 1972. The Closing Circle. New York: Alfred A. Knopf Conant, R. 1975. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Klots, E.B., 1966. The New Field Book of Freshwater Life. New York: Putnam's Sons Lehmkuhl, D.M. 1979. How to Know the Aquatic Insects. Dubuque, Iowa: Wm. C. Brown MacCrimmon, H., 1972. Rainbow Trout in the Great Lakes. Toronto: O.M.N.R. McAllister, D. et. al. 1973. A Guide to the Freshwater Sport Fishes of Canada. Ottawa: National Museum McClane, A.J. 1978. Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes of North America. New York: Holt Rinehart and Winston Needham, J. & P. Needham. 1992. A Guide to the Study of Freshwater Biology . Oakland: Hlden-Day Niering, W., 1985. Wetlands. New York: Alfred A. Knopf Russell, F. 1961. Watcher's at the Pond. Toronto: McClelland & Stewart Scott, W.B., Freshwater Fishes of Eastern Canada. Toronto: U. of T. Press Smith, R.L., 1992. Elements of Ecology. 3rd ed. New York: Harper Collins Modes of Instruction: Class sessions will utilize discussion and lecture format. Topics will be illustrated with slides. Field and laboratory sessions will supplement the lectures. Modes of Evaluation: Species Tests 30% Attendance 10% Field Assignments 20% Midterm test 15% Final Exam 25% TOTAL 100% GRADING POLICY Letter Numeric Description Grade Equivalent A(D) Distinguished A 80+ Excellent B 70-79 Above Average C 60-69 Satisfactory D 55-59 Pass F 54 or below Unsatisfactory Last Updated: Fall 1999