This unit introduces students to biogeography, a key interdiciplinary bridge between biology and geography that addresses the spatial and temporal patterns of biological diversity. It will encompass the historical and ecological perspectives of biogeography and integrate them with the current biogeographical focus on investigating patterns of variation in nature across physical gradients such as area, latitude, climate, elevation and isolation. Finally, by drawing upon "real-world" examples of applied biogeography, students will be introduced to its application in conservation planning at the global, regional and local scales.GEPL 441 will include a literature review and a comprehensive 4000 word essay on a specific biogeographical issue.