Course Description
Life history strategies of vertebrates with emphasis on ecology, behavior, taxonomy, and systematics.
Athena Title
VERTEBRATE NAT HIST
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in FORS 3580-3580L
Prerequisite
BIOL 1108-1108L
Corequisite
WILD(ECOL) 3580L
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students should: 1. Understand basic systems of classification and taxonomy and how they are applied to vertebrate systematics. 2. Appreciate the geological and evolutionary history of vertebrates. 3. Know the major taxa of vertebrates and the special anatomical, morphological, behavioral, and ecological features that characterize each group. 4. Be able to conduct a survey of the scientific literature and summarize the natural history of any vertebrate species.
Topical Outline
I. Introduction to vertebrate characteristics A. Origin of chordates B. Characteristics of lower chordates C. Characteristics of vertebrates II. Introduction to taxonomy and systematics A. The binomial system B. Systematics: Classification schemes and taxonomic categories C. Taxonomy: species descriptions, type specimens, and taxonomic revisions D. Subspecies and geographic variation E. Factors influencing vertebrate distributions F. Principles of evolution G. The geologic record and the evolution of vertebrate species III. Classification, characteristics, and special natural history features of each vertebrate class A. Fishes and fish-like vertebrates B. Amphibians C. Reptiles D. Birds E. Mammals IV. Natural history topics (as time remaining permits) A. Migration and navigation B. Hibernation, torpor, and dormancy C. Cooperative breeding and brood parasitism D. Mating systems, sex ratios, and sexual selection
Syllabus