This course does not currently have a textbook.

Course Objectives:
 This course will take a systematic approach to understanding vertebrate evolution, diversity, and biology.  We follow the development of each vertebrate taxon through the fossil record from the late Cambrian to the present.  Major trends in ecological adaptations are described along with their underlying structural and physiological modifications.  Thus the purposes of this course are: 

1)  To understand the origin and evolution of Vertebrate phyla 
2)  To learn about vertebrate diversity and ecology 

To access powerpoints go here   Lecture material for test #1    1. Introduction    2. Fishes    3. Amphibians Lecture material for test #2    4. Reptiles    5. Birds    6. Mammals part 1    7. Mammals part 2  Lecture material for test #3    1.  Zoogeography    2.  Habitat and Foraging Lecture materail for test #4    1.  Feeding Modes    2.  Use of Space Lecture Material for test #5    1.  Sex, courtship, reproduction    2.  Parental Care

Grading Scheme:

          Lecture Test #1                        10           Feb 15
          Lecture Test #2                        10           March 22
          Lecture Test #3                        10            April 14
          Lecture Test #4                        10           April 28  
          Lecture Test #5                        10           May 5
          Final Comprehesisve Exam       25           TBA
          Essay                                       25           Due May 6

          Total                                      100

Attendance: 

Any student with 5 or more unexcused absences will be automatically dropped from the class.  No prior notification will be given.

Essay Assignment:
     Your final paper will be worth 25% of your total grade and should be between 15 and 20 typewritten pages (Times New Roman, double-spaced, 12 point type, 1" margins).  You must cite all sources of information including sources used for figures and tables.  There should be at least 1 reference per typewritten page (i.e. if you write a 20 page essay you should have about 20 different sources of information).  Cite all references using scientific journal format.  Consult a journal or consult me to see how this is done.  Make the fullest possible use of the library facilities, including inter-library loans.  (A list of web pages containing useful biology journals can be found here).  Also, be sure to check the library databases here.  Many student find that Google Scholar is a good source of peer reviewed articles.  It can be accessed here.  Use only current references from primary sources.  Do not use material taken from popular books and magazines that do not contain peer reviewed articles, or that are not edited by a professional in the field.  Use ample figures and tables (figures and tables do not count in determining the length of the paper).  Past experience has shown that students who include figures and tables are most likely to get the highest grades.  Be sure to cite the sources of all tables and figures.  Furthermore, your essay grade will be based largely on how thoroughly you have covered your topic.  Therefore, be very concise and avoid verbosity and redundancy.  Pay attention to your spelling and grammar.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to talk to me. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:
 People often lose marks for failing to properly cite their sources of information.  You must cite all sources of information including sources used for figures and tables.  Copying of material, whether, whether parts of sentences, whole sentences, paragraphs, or entire articles, will result in a score of zero for your essay.  If you have questions, please talk to me. 

Essay Topics:
   Undergraduates have a different essay topic than that of graduate students.  You assignment will be to choose a vertebrate species and write a detailed account of that species’ biology.  The species account should be divided into titled sections, including, but not limited to: 

Description  Geographic Distribution  Taxonomic relationships  Fossil History  Habitat  Food Habits  Vocalizations  Reproductive Biology  Behavior         Maintenance Behaviors         Sexual Behavior         Parental Behavior  Demography and Population       Biology  Human Impacts and Economic       Impact

 Obligatory Statements:

 Plagiarism is a criminal activity.  You must cite all sources of information.  Copying of material, whether parts of sentences, whole sentences, paragraphs, or entire articles, will result in a score of zero for your assignment and can result in further disciplinary action. 

 Students with Disabilities:

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities.  Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation fo their disabilities.  If you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact:

 All student enrolled at the University shall follow the tenets of common decency and acceptable behavior conducive to a positive learning environment.  See Student's Guide Handbook, Policies and Procedures, Conduct. 

Students who are disruptive to class activities will be dropped from the class and may face further disciplinary action.