SC239 Natural History of Palau (Fall 2024) Resource Repository - V. Yuji

This course is about the natural environment of Palau.  It introduces the student to the geological formation of the islands of Palau, the significance of oceanic distance between Palau islands and its neighboring islands and continents, and how it influences migration and immigration of terrestrial and marine organisms between islands. Students will better understand and develop appreciation of the importance of the major terrestrial and marine ecosystems to Palau’s environment and culture. Students become aware of how island ecosystems function, and more importantly, how they are all interconnected. Through field observations, students gain knowledge and skills in identifying, by their scientific names, of some of the common terrestrial and marine flora and fauna of Palau.  Students become aware of the richness of Palau’s biodiversity by participating in simple field surveys and monitoring techniques. Through library research, online searches using search engines, and interviews with local experts, students increase their knowledge of some of Palau’s indigenous, introduced, and endemic species. Students construct public education awareness power point presentations on selected flora and fauna of Palau, proposing practical solutions to conserve and protect Palau’s biodiversity, and present to their peers.