290152 VO Introduction to Biological Geography and Landscape Ecology (2012W)

After defining the terms landscape and ecology in a historical context, different research concepts in landscape ecology will be presented. Principle outlines of the atmosphere, pedosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere are taught. A focus will be on the various interactions and dependencies of these partial complexes, their cycles and dynamics in different temporal and spatial dimensions, while the anthropogenic influence on ecosystems will specially be picked as a central theme. Aim is the understanding of landscape functions and the interdependency of abiotic and biotic factors. Furthermore methods for analysing, synthesis, modelling and evaluation are discussed. Finally examples from land use planning, spatial planning and nature and environmental protection are presented.