Topics: 1. Introduction - general characteristics of the terrestrial environment - environmental factors (soil, heat, light, water, wind, relief) and their impact on terrestrial communities. 2. Biogeography (phytogeography, zoogeography). 3. Forest ecosystems - general characteristics of forest ecosystems, species composition, vegetation levels, potential natural vegetation, management, impact of disturbances (fires, calamities). 4. Forest ecosystems - forest ecosystems according to the Czech Republic Biotope Catalog. 5. Grassland ecosystems - general characteristics of grassland ecosystems, primary and secondary grasslands, history of the formation of grassland ecosystems. 6. Grassland ecosystems - grassland ecosystems according to the Czech Republic Biotope Catalog. 7. Specific fauna of grassland and forest ecosystems (invertebrates, vertebrates). 8. Wetland and floodplain biotopes. 9. Peat bogs, raised bogs, rocks, and scree. 10. Fauna in wetland and floodplain biotopes, peat bogs, raised bogs, rocks, and scree. 11. Important European ecosystems - taiga, tundra, alpine treeless areas, and heathlands. 12. Important European ecosystems - Mediterranean vegetation (macchia, garrigue), coastal dunes, traditional agroforestry systems (e.g., dehesa, montado), salt marshes, steppes, deserts, and semi-deserts. 13. Specific fauna of important European ecosystems. 14. Human-influenced biotopes - cultural landscape (agricultural land, vineyards, orchards, settlements), synanthropic communities, and invasive species.
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The course Terrestrial Ecosystems will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the dynamics and functioning of terrestrial communities, with an emphasis on their ecological functions, biotic diversity, and threats resulting from human activity and global change.
Learning outcomes: The student is familiar with the basic concepts of ecology and the biotic and abiotic factors of the environment that influence terrestrial ecosystems. The student understands the basic ecological processes in terrestrial ecosystems. Students will gain knowledge about key terrestrial ecosystems, such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, tundras, mountain ecosystems, and deserts, and their ecological interrelationships. Students will improve on the knowledge acquired in previous studies (General Ecology, Botany and Plant Ecology, Zoology and Animal Ecology). Students will learn about the basic representatives of plants and animals in individual terrestrial ecosystems.
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