The important ecosystem processes that affect the distributions, characteristics, and management of natural environments at landscape, regional, and continental scales. Ecosystem functions, including nutrient cycling, water balance, and the role of natural disturbances in a wide range of ecosystems, from the tundra to the rain forests and grasslands of the tropics. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Geography 356T (Topic: Comparative Ecosystems) and 366C may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and three semester hours of coursework in physical geography or one of the geological or natural sciences.