Week 2

This week we will be considering the evolution of biological diversity with the SE Asia region.

Learning Objectives: After participation in class and completion of assignments for this week you will be able to:

1. Define and describe major terrestrial biomes and ecosystems along the Mekong including dominant plants that characterize each.
2. Define a range of vocabulary terms that will be used often within this course, such as "biodiversity hot spot," "biome," and "evolution."

Assignments:

1. Students will prepare a creative combination of written sentences and paragraphs with literature citations along with web links to organize a discussion of the various terrestrial biomes and ecosystems along the Mekong. Characteristic plants of each biome should be clearly discussed for each.
2. Definitions of the terms "biodiversity hot spot," "biome," and "evolution" should be provided with clear citations for each.
3. For the next class you will need to find and read an article on Pleistocene human history in SE Asia. This should basically be a paper about humans before the development of agriculture. This will be briefly presented in class.

Discussion Outline:

• Students will come to class each having read one published research article on an aspect of the gross evolutionary history of biodiversity within SE Asia. Each should give a very brief summary 2-5 minutes of what was learned from the article. All articles should be cited within the Assignments page.
• Discuss the major biomes and ecosystems along the Mekong and the dominant plants that characterize each.
• Discuss the overall course product: An overview paper on biodiversity conservation research in the Mekong watershed.