BIOL 432 - Herpetology

Credits: 4

Description
Origins, evolution, taxonomy, biogeography, morphology, physiology, behavior, and ecology of amphibians and reptiles. Laboratory emphasizes Mojave and Great Basin herpetofauna-identification, experiments, and field studies. Mandatory field trips.

Student Learning Outcomes

Trace modern amphibians and reptiles to evolutionary origins using diagrams and be able to identify important adaptive changes that arose through evolutionary time.
List several ancient lineages related to modern amphibians and reptiles and distinguish differences among them.
Describe and compare physiological systems in reptiles and amphibians in relation to their ecology and life history.
Describe and compare behavior in reptiles and amphibians in relation to their ecology and life history.
Identify current conservation issues facing reptiles and amphibians.
Evaluate/prescribe management solutions to conservation problems by synthesizing concepts of physiology, behavior, and ecology.
Critique and discuss peer-reviewed literature.

Prerequisite: BIOL 191 and NRES 310
Corequisite: None

Graded: Letter Grade