ZOO 3307L - Vertebrate Zoology Lab

College of Natural Sciences

Credit(s): 1
Contact Hours: 45
Effective Term Spring 2015 (495)

Requisites

Prerequisite BSC 2011 with a minimum grade of C and
Prerequisite BSC 2011L with a minimum grade of C and
Pre- or Co-requisite ZOO 3307 with a minimum grade of C

Course Description

The major emphasis of this laboratory course focuses on the classification, evolution and biodiversity of vertebrates. Coverage of each taxonomic group will include discussion of characteristics, systematics, taxonomy, evolution, paleontology, biogeography and unique morphological, physiological, ecological and behavioral adaptations. NOTE: Credit is not given for both (ZOO 3307C) and (ZOO 3307/ZOO 3307L).

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will illustrate the taxonomic classification of vertebrates in a laboratory setting by:
    1. examining the major groups of vertebrates and their sub-groups.
    2. identifying the key characteristics of each vertebrate group.
    3. evaluating the inter-relationships between the major vertebrate groups.
  2. The student will reconstruct the evolutionary history of vertebrates in a laboratory setting by:
    1. generating and interpreting vertebrate cladograms.
    2. comparing and contrasting plausible phylogenetic relationships of vertebrate taxa.
    3. evaluating morphological, zoogeographical, and paleontological data to analyze evolutionary relationships
  3. The student will differentiate between the major vertebrate groups in a laboratory setting by:
    1. analyzing and identifying the relationship of vertebrates to other animal taxa
    2. identifying basic vertebrate structures.
    3. identifying and explaining differences in the features of fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
    4. identifying classes, sub-classes and orders of vertebrates.
  4. The student will analyze vertebrate adaptations for aquatic and terrestrial environments in a laboratory and field setting by:
    1. investigating the challenges of an aquatic and terrestrial existence
    2. investigating morphological traits associated with feeding, reproduction, respiration, excretion, communication and locomotion
    3. investigating physiological traits associated with homeostatic water and ion balance, temperature regulation, gas exchange, internal transport, waste removal and communication.
    4. investigating behavioral traits associated with temperature regulation, defense mechanisms, reproduction and sociality.
  5. The student will evaluate the ecology, biodiversity and conservation biology of vertebrates in a laboratory and field setting by:
    1. simulating and analyzing population growth, population dynamics, interactions between populations and community dynamics applied to vertebrates.
    2. identifying, comparing and contrasting the major biomes of the earth with an emphasis on vertebrate diversity
    3. identifying and measuring the various components of biodiversity and their relative importance
    4. compiling and analyzing evidence of threats to specific vertebrates
    5. assessing recovery plans for specific vertebrates
    6. synthesizing a plausible recovery plan for a vertebrate species based on historical and biological data analysis and projections.
    7. applying biological concepts to the management of vertebrate populations.
  6. The student will evaluate methods for studying vertebrates in a laboratory and field setting by:
    1. demonstrating methods to study animal physiology
    2. utilizing, comparing and contrasting methods for behavioral studies
    3. differentiating and employing techniques for studying populations and ecosystems
  7. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method in the design, analysis, and application of vertebrate studies by:
    1. becoming proficient in research techniques and their usage.
    2. evaluating current studies and their applications in advancing future research.
    3. conducting experiments, analyzing experimental data and reporting results.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 70% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

C&I Approval: 05/16/2014, BOT Approval: 10/21/2014, Effective Term: Spring 2015 (495)

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