Get Background Information
Books and Encyclopedias
In the course of your research, you may encounter topics that are unfamiliar to you. Reading a little about these topics in a book or encyclopedia is a great way to get background information.
Course Reserves for BIOS 30312. Don't forget to take a look at the books at the Hesburgh Library circulation desk that your professor has already set aside for you.
Encyclopedia of Life Sciences (Wiley-Blackwell)
"The Encyclopedia of Life Sciences (ELS) features over 4,600 specially commissioned, peer-reviewed and citable articles spanning the entire spectrum of the life sciences," including ecology. "It is an essential read for life scientists and a valued resource for undergraduates, graduate students and researchers. ELS articles are written by leaders in the field to provide comprehensive and authoritative coverage of each subject area. ELS is updated by approximately 400 articles per year, new articles publishing on a monthly basis." Introductory articles are indicated by one diamond, intermediate articles by two diamonds, and advanced articles by three diamonds.
Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics
"The Annual Review ... covers significant developments in the fields of ecology, evolutionary biology, and systematics, as they apply to all life on Earth. Essay reviews cover topics ranging from phylogeny, speciation, and molecular evolution through behavior and evolutionary physiology to population dynamics, ecosystems processes, and applications in invasion biology, conservation, and environmental management."
Reference Articles
The following are articles that your professor requires you to read for discussion class periods.
- Overview: Grimm et al. 2008. Global change and ecology of cities. Science 319:756-760.
- Climate: Jenerette et al. 2007. Regional relationships between surface temperature, vegetation, and human settlement in a rapidly urbanizing ecosystem. Land. Ecol. 22:353–365.
- Disease: Bradley et al. 2008. Urban land use predicts West Nile Virus exposure in songbirds. Eco. App. 18:1083-1092.
- Biodiversity: Schochat et al. 2004. Urbanization and spider diversity: influences of human modification of habitat structure and productivity. Eco. App. 14:268-280.
- Biogeochemistry: Gregg et al. 2003. Urbanization effects on tree growth in the vicinity of New York City. Nature. 424:183-187.
- Land Use: Groffman et al. 2004. Nitrogen Fluxes and Retention in Urban Watershed Ecosystems. Ecosystems 7:393–403.
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