THE ECOSYSTEM OF THE VENETIAN LAGOON

The course is addressed to students coming from all study areas.

There are no expected prerequisites for this course

The course provides an overview on the Venice lagoon environment from an ecological perspective.
Firstly, basic ecological principles is provided, by using specific examples from lagoon ecology and directly from the Venice lagoon when available. There are different levels of focus, i.e. individual, population, community, ecosystem and landscape.

Secondly, the course helps the understanding of:
• adaptations of plant and animal organisms in the lagoon environment
• the factors that regulate population growth and the spacial distribution of species in different habitats
• the role of biological interactions in determining the structure of communities and the functioning of food chain
• anthropogenic impacts and restoration activities

1/3 In-class presentation
2/3 Final exam. written test (1/3 closed-ended questions; 1/3 open-ended questions).

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Natural capital and environmental quality" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development