The goal of the subject is to understand the concept of biodiversity. It refers to global importance.

The outcome of the course is consideration and adoption of relevant knowledge on biodiversity, especially in the context of endangering and protecting biodiversity, as well as the protection of nature at the national and local levels.

Theoretical lectures

1. Introduction to relevant issues that is being processed on a given subject. Planning activities for student’s at a given course. A brief historical overview and clarification of the terminology used at the course.

2. Classification of organisms: levels of organization in the living nature, taxonomic hierarchy, concept of species, ecosystems; Geographical distribution of biological diversity; Gradients of spatial distribution; Species richness; Regions with the highest biodiversity.

3. Origins of life on Earth; The origins and dynamics of intra- and inter-species genetic diversity; Origin of species; Adaptations; Main strategies in the diversification of the biota.

4. Classification of some phylums of plants and animals.

5. Equilibrium theory as a result of interspecies competition; The importance of predators; Mutualism, Succession.

6. Biological diversity as a dynamic system, Species contribution to ecosystems processes; Ecological food chains; the importance of biological diversity in biochemical cycles.

7. Biodiversity of terrestrial ecosystems.

8. Biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems.

9. Biodiversity of the Balkan Peninsula and Serbia.

10-11. Anthropogenic impact on biodiversity; Demographic pressure; Land conversion at agricultural areas; Forest resources – uses and exploitation, land erosion; Introduced species; Case studies of the human activities effects on the dynamics of biological diversity; Anthropogenic factors that threaten the biodiversity of Serbia.

12-13. Biodiversity conservation; Ex-situ and In-situ conservation; Protection of species and ecosystems; Zoning of protection; Fragmentation of habitats; Reintroduction of species; Bio-indicators; International conventions.

14. Climate change: an impact on biodiversity.

Practical lectures

 Field work aims to introduce and teach students with methods and procedures for sampling biological materials, analysis of collected samples, determination, statistical methods used in data processing and biodiversity assessment, introduction to endemic forms and IUCN categorization of threatened species.

Leveque, C., Mounolou, J.C. (2004). Biodiversity. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (2010): Global Biodiversity Outlook 3

Stevanović, V., Vasić, V. (1995). Biodiverzitet Jugoslavije sa pregledom vrsta od međunarodnog značaja. Biološki fakultet i Ecolibri, Beograd.