300423 SE+UE Field course in functional ecology (2008S)

This basic field course confronts students with a fundamental question in ecology: Does biodiversity matter? By analysing (1) diversity gradients (both plant and microbial) in alpine grasslands and recently deglaciated terrain (glacier forelands) and (2) basic ecosystem functions, such as heterotrophic respiration, ecosystem productivity and nutrient cycling, the students shall develop their own perspective on the importance of diversity and learn to critically evaluate the 'diversity-function' debate in the recent literature.