Marine Biodiversity

This program focuses on learning the identity and evolutionary relationships of marine organisms. Marine environments support an extremely diverse group of autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms, which together comprise an important fraction of Earth’s biodiversity. The biodiversity of marine life will be examined through a study of the major and minor phyla of marine animals, placing emphasis on macro-invertebrates, which account for the majority of the marine animal species diversity. We will learn about micro- and macro-algae, especially those of the eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The proximity of Evergreen's campus to various marine habitats provides excellent opportunities to study many diverse groups of organisms, and emphasis will be placed on learning the regional marine flora and fauna.

This program will include extensive work in both the lab and field. An overnight field trip to San Juan Island in winter and another one to the Olympic Peninsula in spring will provide us with observation opportunities of organisms in their natural habitats. Ecological themes related to marine biodiversity will also be examined. Students will learn fundamental laboratory and field techniques and will be required to complete a research project utilizing the available microscopy facilities (light and scanning electron microscopes). Workshops on the statistical analysis of biodiversity will provide a quantitative aspect to our work.  Students will be evaluated through participation, presentations, lab notebooks, quizzes, in-person and take-home exams, and laboratory practical exams.