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Syllabus -- FNR 252 Ecology and Systematics of Amphibians, Reptiles, and Birds
Spring 2006
| Instructors: |
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| Dr. O. E. Rhodes, Jr. |
Rod N. Williams |
| 307 Forestry Building |
120A Forestry Buildling |
| 494-3601 |
494-3568 |
| e-mail: gener@purdue.edu |
e-mail: rodw@purdue.edu |
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| Graduate Teaching Assistants: |
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| Stephanie Baker (herps only) |
Sonia Johns (herps only) |
| 201H-2 Forestry Products Building |
302-6 Forestry Building |
| 494-3628 |
494-3997 |
| e-mail: sbaker@purdue.edu |
e-mail: sjohns@purdue.edu |
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| Nathan Lichiti (birds only) |
Kathleen Coates (birds only) |
| 204-3 Forestry Products Building |
204 Forestry Building |
| 494-5040 |
496-1216 |
| e-mail: nlichti@purdue.edu |
e-mail:kcoates@purdue.edu |
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Required Texts :
| Conant, R. and J. T. Collins. 1998. A field guide to reptiles and amphibians: eastern and central North America, third edition, expanded. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co. 616 pp. [Peterson Field Guide] |
| National Geographic Society. 1999. Field guide to the birds of North America, third edition. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society. 480 pp. |
| FNR 252 Laboratory Manual |
Scope of the Course:
The Laboratory in Ecology and Systematics of Amphibians, Reptiles, and Birds gives students an opportunity to learn to identify important species of North American herpetofauna and avifauna, with an emphasis on midwestern U.S. species. Information regarding the ecology, natural history, and systematics of the amphibians, reptiles, and birds is presented. Through the use of a combination of preserved specimens, photographic images of selected species, field guides and standard taxonomic keys, students have an opportunity to learn the characteristic features of some of the important North American vertebrates. Taxonomic relationships, food habits, and habitat preferences are discussed.
Grading Policy :
Students are expected to complete all assignments, including weekly quizes and two laboratory practical exams. No make-ups will be given on lab quizes or exams unless arrangements are made with the instructor before the scheduled lab session. There is no grading curve for FNR 252.
| Amphibian/Reptile Quizzes (4 x 20 pts each) |
= 80 points |
| Amphibian/Reptile Lab Practical Exam |
= 200 points |
| Bird Quizzes (5 x 20 points each) |
= 100 points |
| Bird Lab Practical Exam |
= 200 points |
| TOTAL |
= 580 points |
| A = 522-580 points |
| B = 464-521 points |
| C = 406-463 points |
| D = 348-405 points |
| F = < 348 points |
Course Schedule :
| Date |
Week |
Exercise |
Lab Activities |
| Jan. 8, 9, 10 |
1 |
1 |
introduction; frog calls audio tape, keying exercises |
| Jan. 15, 16, 17 |
2 |
2 |
caecilians and salamanders |
| Jan. 22, 23, 24 |
3 |
3 |
frogs and toads; herp quiz # 1 |
| Jan 29, 30, 31 |
4 |
4 |
crocodilians, tuataras, and turtles; herp quiz # 2 |
| Feb. 5, 6, 7 |
5 |
5 |
lizards; herp quiz # 3 |
| Feb. 12, 13, 14 |
6 |
6 |
snakes; herp quiz # 4 |
| Feb. 19, 20, 21 |
7 |
none |
Lab Practical Exam: Amphibians and Reptiles |
| Feb. 26, 27, 28 |
8 |
1 |
bird set 1 |
| Mar. 5, 6, 7 |
9 |
2 |
bird set 2; bird quiz # 1 |
| Mar. 11-16 |
- - |
- - |
SPRING BREAK |
| Mar. 19, 20, 21 |
10 |
3 |
bird set 3; bird quiz # 2 |
| Mar. 26, 27, 28 |
11 |
4 |
bird set 4; bird quiz # 3 |
| Apr. 2, 3, 4 |
12 |
5 |
bird set 5; bird quiz # 4 |
| Apr. 9, 10, 11 |
13 |
6 |
bird set 6; bird quiz # 5 |
| Apr. 16, 17, 18 |
14 |
none |
Lab Practical Exam: Birds |
Lab Section Schedules :
Tuesday: 9:30-11:20 & 3:30-5:20
Wednesday: 11:30-1:20 & 3:30-5:20
Thursday: 9:30-11:20 & 1:30-3:20
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