Geoscience (GSCI) 673:
Galapagos Islands
Spring Semester 2018
Question about the course?
Contact the instructor, David Levering, at DALevering@FHSU.edu
Course Description:
Charles Darwin’s observations during his visit to the Galápagos Islands in 1835 played an invaluable role in the conception of his theory of evolution by natural selection. Darwin’s visit to the islands, and research that has been done there since, provide historical and modern relevance to the development of evolutionary theory. We will familiarize ourselves with Darwin’s observations and experiences during his visit to the Galapagos Islands, and with some contemporary studies on Galapagos wildlife. Of primary importance to the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands is the concept of island biogeography, which is the topic of the course book The Song of the Dodo. With this reading, we will familiarize ourselves with the effects isolation – such as that found on islands – has on ecosystems, organisms, and their respective evolution.
By exploring the same plants, animals, and ecosystems that inspired Darwin, this travel course will provide a deeper understanding of evolution, and greater appreciation for the importance of conservation. Understanding ecosystems and wildlife in contemporary and deep-time contexts are equally critical to addressing the challenges of global climate change. We will discuss ongoing threats posed by human activities and conservation measures that have been taken to protect indigenous wildlife.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Understand the evolutionary histories of wildlife found on the Galapagos Islands, and how they relate to wildlife found in South America.
- Compare biodiversity and geologic history among islands and between the islands and the mainland, understanding the factors leading to similarities and differences.
- Recognize the importance of islands in general, and the Galapagos Islands specifically, to our current understanding of evolutionary biology.
- Explain factors affecting island ecosystems, and how ecosystem changes affect the island biodiversity.
- Experience immersion in a different culture and environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge (by preparing and delivering an oral presentation to the public) gained during stops made on the trip. The presentation will focus on wildlife, geology, ecology, culture, and personal experience.
Global Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Analyze their own culture in a comparative context to better understand global and regional culture diversity.
- Recognize global ecologic and geographic diversity through personal observations and experiences.
- Discuss the positives and negatives of ecotourism on fragile ecosystems.
- Identify sustainability issues in areas of limited environmental and economic resources.
- Appreciate perspectives different from his/her own in light of culture, language, socioeconomic, and environmental difference.
Trip cost will be approximately $3,000 per student. This total includes most meals during travel, all accommodations, and all airfare. This amount does not include FHSU course tuition.
The trip will take place over spring break. We will most likely depart Hays the Thursday before spring break begins, and return the Saturday before classes resume.
Required text:
Song of the Dodo: Island Biogeography in and Age of Extinction, David Quammen.
Available for purchase online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Powell’s, etc.
Required: Field Journal
This could be a spiral notebook, sketchpad, travel journal, etc. used for documenting daily excursions, observations, and experiences.
