Course Description
Evolution, ecology, behavior, structure, and physiology of amphibians and reptiles.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
An additional assigned project.
Athena Title
HERPETOLOGY
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in FORS 4040/6040-4040L/6040L
Prerequisite
BIOL 1108-1108L
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Course Goals: To provide an awareness of the biological diversity, ecology, evolution, and cultural and environmental value of reptiles and amphibians and to introduce the types and sources of information that must be known should one decide to select herpetology as a field of specialization in a professional career academically, such as for a graduate program, or with state, federal, and private wildlife management and conservation organizations. In this course we will examine the evolutionary history of the reptiles and amphibians and the patterns of biological diversity, life history, ecology, reproduction, and behavior. Conservation will be a re-occurring theme that will be interwoven through all topics discussed. To accomplish these goals the following will be expected of each student: 1. Know the phylogenetic origins and relationships of major groups of reptiles and amphibians. Know the taxonomy, systematic relationships, ecology, and geographic distributions of the families of reptiles and amphibians of the world, the genera of North America, and the species of Georgia. 2. Know the biological features that characterize the classes Reptilia and Amphibia and that make them distinctive from other vertebrates and from each other. Have an awareness of the diversity and variability within each class, including morphology, physiology, behavior, genetics, ecology, and life history. Learn how reptiles and amphibians can serve as ideal models for a variety of fields of study, such as life history, genetics, and conservation biology. 3. Become familiar with the field and laboratory techniques used in herpetology, including field collecting and research techniques, specimen preservation and other museum protocols, and the regulations and guidelines associated with capturing, handling, and conducting research on reptiles and amphibians. 4. Become familiar with the herpetological literature including journals, Web sites, and books. 5. Develop an awareness of major conservation issues related to herpetofauna on a regional, national, and global scale. Become aware of educational opportunities for which reptiles or amphibians serve or could serve as the primary subject material. 6. Become more informed biologically and culturally about the field of herpetology and about reptiles and amphibians than someone (fellow students, family, friends, politicians) who has not taken the course and be prepared to explain the global and regional value and importance of herpetofauna.
Topical Outline
Herpetofaunal biodiversity of Georgia General characteristics of reptiles and amphibians Overview of distribution and characteristics of salamander families Salamander identification Overview of phylogeny and evolution of reptiles and amphibians Natural history, ecology, distribution of salamanders Amphibian phylogeny Natural history, ecology, distribution, life history of anurans Overview of distribution and characteristics of caecilian families Overview of distribution and characteristics of anuran families Anuran identification Overview of amphibian ecology and life histories Amphibian biodiversity and conservation (global, regional) Frog calls Habitat management for amphibians Overview of amphibian biology Reptile phylogeny Natural history, ecology, distribution of turtles Turtle identification Natural history, ecology, distribution, and life histories of turtles and crocodilians Lizard identification Natural history, ecology, distribution, and life histories of lizards and snakes Snake identification Natural history, ecology, distribution, and life histories of lizards and snakes Overview of reptile biology Inventory and monitoring techniques in herpetology Overview of reptile biology Reptile biodiversity and conservation (global, regional) Diseases of reptiles Captive Breeding Endangered and invasive species
Syllabus