課程概述 |
Taiwan, an island country rich in biodiversity, located between Eurasian Plate and Philippine Sea Plate, the geological structure is quite young. The frequent orogeny in Taiwan form many towering mountains, so even though Taiwan is in the tropical and subtropical zone, the temperate climate can still be found at high altitudes. In addition, the creatures, adapted to different climates, are able to survive in Taiwan.
Taiwan is also known from high percentage of endemic species. This is because in the Ice Age, Taiwan was connected to Eurasia. After the Ice Age, Taiwan was isolated by the ocean, and many lives gradually evolved into endemic species on the island. Nowadays, the proportion of endemic species in Taiwan is about 71% in mammals, 17% in birds, 22% in reptiles, 31% in amphibian, 19% in freshwater fish, 25% in plants, and 60% in insects.
Although the land area of Taiwan is only 0.027% of the total of the world, the number of species is as high as 3.8%, which is 150 times the global average. Furthermore, the marine species around Taiwan are about 10% of the world, which is 361 times the average. Taiwan is not a country with large territory, while its rich biological resources are such amazing. Base on that, we invite guest speakers in different fields to talk about the geography, wildlife, ecosystem and culture of Taiwan. They will help students to learn more about the beautiful nature of Taiwan. Besides the lectures, students could also learn deeply through the 3 various field trips (2 assigned trips and 1 self-planned trip). |
評量方式 (僅供參考) |
No. |
項目 |
百分比 |
說明 |
1. |
Final exam |
25% |
The final exam will be based on the content from lectures.
|
2. |
Group project |
30% |
Students will be divided into several groups and you can choose from following topics: - What part of Taiwan's natural environment impresses you or you enjoy the most. - Compare the natural environment or events of your own country to Taiwan. - Choose a topic Prof. Hsiao Wei Yuan approves. |
3. |
Field trip reports/assignments |
20% |
We have two assigned trips, Campus tour and Taipei City Zoo, and one self-planned trip that you can visit the place you desire, which relates with nature sources. Please finish your reports and upload them to NTU COOL within two weeks after trips. |
4. |
Pop quiz |
10% |
Questions will be asked at the end of the class. Please answer the quiz on the paper and turn it to TA before you leave the classroom. |
5. |
Attendence |
15% |
Students should attend each class on time. When you get in the classroom, please take a white paper from TAs for pop quiz. After 15:35, you’ll be given a green paper and noted as a late arrival. If you are unable to show up for some reason, please provide your proof to TAs by email. |
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