The aim of this course is: i) to provide knowledge in the field of selected areas of ecology, enabling understanding of the processes taking place in the natural environment; ii) understanding the relationship between the components of the environment; iii) assessment of the impact of the natural environment on the directions of spatial development; iv) identifying barriers to socio-economic development resulting from environmental constraints. LECTURE: Functioning and characteristics of the natural environment. Basic concepts of ecology and environmental protection. Indicators determining the ecological functions of the environment - the potential of the environment and the capacity of the environment. Characteristics of ecosystems and mutual relations between biotic and abiotic elements of the environment. Selected departments of ecology. Ecology and its relationship with various fields of knowledge. Ecosystem structure, functioning, and productivity. Equilibrium
states and threats to the natural environment. Factors limiting the development of organisms. Pollution and harmfulness threshold. Ecological succession and its importance in the natural environment.
Biogeochemical cycles. Selected problems of the degradation of the natural environment. Degradation and protection of environmental components: atmosphere, lithosphere, pedosphere, hydrosphere,
and biosphere.
