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Overview

From individual animals through to populations and communities, this module will consider the role of species’ intrinsic characteristics (such as how they reproduce and disperse) in making them more susceptible or resilient to threats, as well as how those characteristics can facilitate or impede conservation success. You will cover elements of animal behaviour, physiology and population ecology to address the questions: 1. Why are some species more likely to decline in abundance or go extinct?; 2. How do intrinsic characteristics influence potential for recovery and persistence?; 3. How do we use knowledge of a species’ or individual’s  biology to address these questions?

Topics may include how issues such as climate change, anthropogenic disturbance and habitat loss influence individuals at the physiological and behavioural level, and how variation in natural history, behaviour and physiology are reflected in context-dependent population level responses.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold (Grade C; mark range 50-59%) -A threshold student should have a basic knowledge of the essential facts and key concepts presented in the module. Written work should demonstrate a basic ability to synthesise and interpret data from lectures and readings in a structured and logical manner, and all assessments should demonstrate the general capacity to organise acquired knowledge.

-good (Grade B; mark range 60-69%) -A good student should have thorough factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to cite examples and case studies where appropriate. Written work should demonstrate an ability to think about the subject and to synthesise lecture material and some information from background reading into coherent arguments.

-excellent (Grade A; mark range 70-100%) -An excellent student should have a high level of detailed factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to detail examples and case studies where appropriate. Written work should demonstrate an ability to think critically about the subject and to synthesise lecture material and information from extensive background reading in support of detailed, developed arguments.

Learning Outcomes

• appraise the link between individual behaviours and physiology and population-level outcomes.

• critically evaluate the suitability of different conservation approaches based on the characteristics of the target species.

• explain why and how particular life history traits are associated with increased vulnerability to population decline and extinction.