Course Description
This course provides a description of the main ecological characteristics of tropical forests, including their structure and composition. It covers both tropical rainforests and tropical seasonal forests. You will learn about the evolution of tropical forests, important in understanding their remarkable diversity. You will be able to recognize some of the different components of the tropical forest ecosystem, and the major differences that exist between the many different types of forests in the Tropics. You will apply knowledge gained through online presentations, videos, reading assignments, and self study. Exercises will be used throughout the course to provide a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by tropical forest managers and stewards in maintaining the ecology of tropical forests. The tropical forest environment is exceptionally complex, and two courses have been prepared that are designed to be completed over two terms. This course starts by looking at what defines tropical forests, and what has brought about these unique forests (Module 1). We then look at the physical environment of tropical forests, including their climate, hydrology soils and landforms, before examining an example of an extreme tropical forest environment, namely mangroves (Module 2). Modules 3, 4 and 5 look at the incredible diversity of tropical forests, introducing you to some of the important taxonomic groups found in tropical forests. Module 3 deals with the forest vegetation, the basis of the tropical forest ecosystem. Module 4 introduces you to the variety of vertebrates found in tropical forests, whereas Module 5 deals with tropical invertebrates.
Target Audience
This course is intended for students working towards a Master’s degree in tropical forestry. However, it may be of interest to anyone wishing to learn more about tropical forests. It assumes a certain amount of knowledge, but will point you to areas where you can gain further information on particular subjects if you are unfamiliar with them. Those with a more advanced knowledge of tropical forests may find sections of interest to them. Each presentation has been extensively referenced enabling follow-up through further reading.
Course Authors
Dr. John Innes, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, Canada
Dr. Terry Sunderland, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, Canada
Dr. Su See Lee, Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, Malaysia
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