Natural History of the Adirondacks
(ODST 201/Biology 122)

This field-oriented course emphasizes the natural history, ecology, geology, geography and climate of the Adirondacks. Primary emphasis is on the taxonomy, life histories, local adaptations and uses of Adirondack flora and fauna. Basic ecological concepts such as succession, competition, energy flow, food webs and nutrient cycles are studied by means of field trips and field studies. Study may also be made of stars, seasons and the movement of principle parts of the solar system as they apply to the Adirondacks. Students will learn how to record observational data as well as how to conduct an experiment. (One unit credit)