Tropical Marine Biodiversity in a Changing Ocean

Introduction to patterns of tropical marine biodiversity and their environmental causes. The geological separation of oceans by the isthmus of Panama created dramatically different environments that impacted marine biodiversity in this tropical region. We will explore the reasons for the resulting patterns of biogeography and biodiversity using tools from all the major science disciplines. Students will conduct group projects that contribute to the long-term data archives of environmental change in the region and the biological impacts arising from human land use, climate change, and marine exploitation.