Zool 403
Natural History of Vertebrates

Department of Zoology
Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Prerequisites:   ZOOL 220b or consent of instructor

Instructor:   Dr. George H. Waring (Office: LSII 355a; Tel: 453-4135; E-mail: waring@siu.edu)

Course Objectives:   The objectives of this course are to (1) develop awareness and inquiry into the lives of wild organisms, (2) promote an understanding of the life history traits, adaptations, and survival mechanisms of vertebrate animals worldwide, and (3) provide experience in observation, identification, and documentation of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals of the Midwest.

Text:   Vertebrate Life by H. Pough et al. (Prentice Hall) plus selected readings available in Morris Library

Lab Manual:   Waring, George H. 2005. Natural History of Vertebrates Laboratory Manual, 14th Edition. 710 Book Store, Carbondale, Illinois. 102 p.

Lecture Topics and Reading Assignments INTRODUCTION FISHES Taxonomy, Distribution, Locomotion, Migration, Food Habits, Environmental Hazards, Diseases and Parasites, Life Span, Reproduction, Sense Organs, Communication, Pigmentation, and Bioluminescence AMPHIBIANS Taxonomy, Distribution, Locomotion, Migration, Food Habits, Environmental Hazards, Diseases and Parasites, Life Span, Reproduction, Senses, Communication, Poison Glands, and Coloration REPTILES Taxonomy, Distribution, Locomotion, Migration, Food Habits, Environmental Hazards, Diseases and Parasites, Life Span, Reproduction, Senses, Communication, and Coloration MIDTERM LECTURE EXAM   (fishes through reptiles) BIRDS Taxonomy, Distribution, Locomotion, Migration, Food Habits, Environmental Hazards, Diseases and Parasites, Life Span, Reproduction, Senses, Communication, and Coloration MAMMALS Taxonomy, Distribution, Locomotion, Migration, Food Habits, Environmental Hazards & Defense, Diseases and Parasites, Life Span, Reproduction, Communication, Senses, and Coloration FINAL LECTURE EXAMINATION   (comprehensive)

Laboratory Topics    (by week) 1. Fish Identification 2. Fish Identification and Life Histories 3. Amphibian Identification 4. Amphibian Identification and Life Histories 5. Reptile Identification 6. Reptile Identification and Life Histories 7. Midterm Lab Practical; Bird Identification 8. Bird Identification and Life Histories * 9. Mammal Identification * 10. Mammal Identification and Life Histories * 11. Bird Banding and Field Techniques * 12. Review of Lab Material * 13. Final Lab Practical; Overview of Vertebrates of Other Countries * Field trips as weather permits

Field Project Assignment

Early in the semester, choose an avian species living under wild conditions in a local situation where you can observe frequently. Choose a species that will remain in the area throughout the spring (see charts on "Seasonal Status of Southern Illinois Birds" in lab manual). In a wild habitat accessible to you, sit quietly and observe the birds to determine which species is best for you to study. Throughout the semester conduct frequent observations of your species to witness social behavior, feeding, territoriality, courtship, nesting, and other aspects of the species' natural history. Observe at a variety of hours and conditions to best understand their patterns (the first hours of daylight are often most productive). Keep clear and complete field notes of your observations while in the field, following the suggested field notebook style shown in lab manual. Keep your field notes organized, legible, and quantitative. Sketches, measurements, and details are very important.

Early in the study, review the literature to obtain an understanding of the species chosen. Type a concise, yet thorough, summary of the life history information and insert it at the front of the field notebook for reference. At the end of the summary, give the complete bibliographic citation of all references used to obtain the information. Among the items in the summary should be the species' taxonomy, description, habitat preference, movement and activity patterns, food habits, reproductive factors, environmental hazards, social behavior, life span, and any special adaptations or mechanisms for survival.

See if observations concur with previous scientific findings. Carefully document and mark with a red asterisk new information not previously reported by other investigators. The bulk of the notes recorded in the field notebook should accumulate in the Species Account section. The Journal section will have general diary information about field efforts and outings, but as one begins the detailed observations on a particular species turn to the Species Account pages for that species and record the information there. That way cumulative notes on particular species begin to develop.

On or before the Thursday before final lab practical, hand in original field notebook for grading. The material should include the life history summary prepared early in the study plus all the original field notes written while in the field observing the birds. Do not rewrite the fieldnotes. Pick up the field notebook from Dr. Waring at the end of the term.

This course is a field oriented course and will include field activities as weather permits. Several field trips will be conducted during laboratory sessions, especially in the second half of the semester. Such outings will develop skills in observation and identification and are a required yet enjoyable part of the course. Some live collecting will occur, but all animals are to be released unharmed promptly after class members view the specimens; none are to be retained. Please respect the animals and their habitats, so our class activities are not environmentally detrimental. Students are encouraged to develop observational skills without disturbing the animals or their habitat.

Lab specimens are normally preserved in ethyl alcohol or formaldehyde. Rubber gloves are recommended; keep hands and chemicals away from your eyes. Material Safety Data Sheets are available to students in the Zoology Stockroom (LSII 361).

Basis of Grade    [Attendance at all class sessions is required]

Midterm Lab Practical Exam -- 50 points Field Project -- 100 points Final Lab Practical Exam -- 100 points Midterm Lecture Exam -- 100 points Final Comprehensive Exam -- 150 points Total Points Possible = 500

Of Points Earned:    A = >90%    B = 80-89%    C = 70-79%    D = 60-69%    F = less than 60%

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Last updated: 17-Jan-06 / ghw