FOR3090 Forest Ecology – Silvics & Succession

Advanced · 1 credit · NAT - Natural Resources

Description: Students investigate the interrelationships among soil, water, air, trees and the environment and explain how forests change over time as a result of these interrelationships.
Prerequisite: FOR1020: Forest Ecology in Regions of Canada or Biology 20 HCS2020: First Aid/CPR with AED
Parameters: Access to a forest environment.

Outcomes The student will:

1 explain the effects of soil, air and water characteristics on forest ecosystems
- 1.1 describe the physical characteristics used to classify forest soils, and the effects of different soils on plant growth; e.g., texture, porosity
- 1.2 explain the functions of organic and inorganic components of forest soils; e.g., micro- and macro-organisms, gases and minerals, organic matter, water
- 1.3 describe the effects of soil acidity, alkalinity and temperature on the growth of trees and other forest plants
- 1.4 describe indicators of water quantity in the forest and its effects on trees and other plants; e.g., surface water, ground water
- 1.5 describe the effects of human activity on forest ecosystems; e.g., urbanization, agriculture, industrial development, forest harvest practice
- 1.6 describe the effects of a forest on the local environment; e.g., soil and water, weather, wildlife
- 1.7 infer the effects of forests worldwide on global climates
2 identify factors that determine the presence of tree species and forest ecosystems in particular environments
- 2.1 explain how each tree species has unique site and climatic requirements that determine its ability to grow in particular environments
- 2.2 describe the general characteristics, life history, and site and climatic requirements of five Alberta species
- 2.3 describe the general structural characteristics and environments of some common forest environments in Alberta; e.g., soil, moisture, position on slope
3 explain the process of change in a forest environment
- 3.1 identify living and nonliving agents of change in a local forest environment
- 3.2 infer structural and/or behavioural adaptations of living organisms to particular changes in the forest environment; e.g., adaptations to site conditions, reproductive adaptations
- 3.3 describe the impacts of specific environmental changes on a forest community; e.g., short-term consequences, long-term consequences
- 3.4 give examples of primary and secondary successional stages in a local forest environment
- 3.5 describe Alberta’s natural forest history; e.g., roles of fire, climate change and other agents
4 demonstrate basic competencies
- 4.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
  - 4.1.1 communicate
  - 4.1.2 manage information
  - 4.1.3 use numbers
  - 4.1.4 think and solve problems
- 4.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
  - 4.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
  - 4.2.2 be responsible
  - 4.2.3 be adaptable
  - 4.2.4 learn continuously
  - 4.2.5 work safely
- 4.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
  - 4.3.1 work with others
  - 4.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
5 create a transitional strategy to accommodate personal changes and build personal values
- 5.1 identify short-term and long-term goals
- 5.2 identify steps to achieve goals