Office: 305 Marsh Life Science Course: biol 217, Mammalogy
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| BIOLOGY 217
MAMMALOGY Fall 2013 Course Polices Instructor: C. William Kilpatrick email: C-William.Kilpatrick@uvm.edu Office Hours: Tuesdays 11:30 am -12:30 pm Wednesdays 10:00-11:00 am Thursdays 1:00- 2:00 pm Other times by appointment Office: 305 Marsh Life Science Course: BIOL 217, Mammalogy This is an advanced Biology course that has a prerequisite of BCOR 102, Ecology and Evolution. If you are taking this course without the prerequisite, you will likely need to budget additional time for this course. In addition, advanced Biology courses may be more demanding than other courses you have taken. Biology and Zoology majors are advised to take only one additional course with a lab while taking BIOL 217 and generally enroll in only 4 courses per semester. In general, you should plan on dedicating at least 10 to 12 hours a week to this course, if you expect to do well. Presentation: Two each week, Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00 to 11:15 pm; Please be courteous to other students in the class by
If you need to leave class for any reason, do not return until the next class meeting Readings: Although no text book is required for this course, you will need a source for information on the natural history of the mammals that occur in Vermont. The following books may be useful in this course and http://www.abebooks.com is a good source for locating and purchasing used books.
Feldhamer, G. A., L. C. Drickamer, S. H. Vessey, J. F. Merritt, and C. Krajewski. 2007. Mammalogy: Adaptation, Diversity, Ecology (3rd edition). Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 592 pages. [Copy available in lab]
Mammalogy (5th edition). Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Sudbury, MA 750 pp. [Copy available in lab].
one of the following books or the collection of the Mammalian Species Accounts): Burt, W. H. 1957. Mammals of the Great Lakes Region. University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 246 pp. OUT of PRINT
Press, Ithaca, NY, 346 pp. Note: need 3rd edition not 2nd. Kurta, A. 1995. Mammals of the Great Lakes Region, Revised edition. University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 376 pp. Merritt, J. F. 1987. Guide to the Mammals of Pennsylvania. University of Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh, 408 pp. Individual Mammalian Species Accounts (American Society of Mammalogists) for each of the species of mammals that occur in Vermont. Currently accounts have been written for 54 of the 59 species of mammals that occur in Vermont, see list on the Blackboard of Vermont mammal species and the issue number of the Mammalian Species Account if available; most will be available on Blackboard and others can be downloaded as pdf files from: http://www.science.smith.edu/departments/Biology/VHAYSSEN/msi/msiaccounts.html 3. Other good mammalogy sources: Animal Diversity Web (http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Mammalia.html) Mammal Species of the World (www.bucknell.edu/msw3) or (http://vertebrates.si.edu/mammals/msw) Jones, J. K., Jr., and R. W. Manning. 1992. Illustrated key to the skulls of genera of North American land mammals, Texas Tech University Press, Lubbock.
mammals. Mad River Press, Arcata. Nowak, R. M. 1991. Walker’s Mammals of the World (5th edition). John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 2 Volumes. Wilson, D. E., and D. M. Reeder (eds.). 2005. Mammal Species of the World, A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd edition). John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 2 Volumes.
As a volunteer that has elected to participate in this course you will have the opportunity to participate in a field trip to capture and examine small mammals, conduct a hands-on field or lab project to develop experiences with basic methods used to study mammals, and write a scientific research paper on an aspect of mammalogy of your choice. Your research paper and lab or field project will account for 33% of your grade (see break down below under course grade) and is your opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and abilities in ways other than traditional exams. Course Grade: I grade on a curve thus there is no set scale. Highest number of accumulated points out of the possible 1200 (see below) = highest grade; grade distribution determined by modality or natural breaks in the distribution of points among students. Lecture Exams (300 points) Web Based Assignments (100 points) Research Paper (250 points) Laboratory (550 points) Laboratory Exercises (150 points) + 50 points in place of field trip Laboratory Practicals (200 points) Laboratory Project (150 points) Field Trip (50 points) Lecture Exams: (300 points) – 25% of your grade NOTE: The first two lecture exams are given in the evening to allow you more time to complete the exam. Please make sure to schedule time for these exams. Exam 1 September 25 6:00 pm Exam 2 October 23 6:00 pm Exam 3 To be determined by New Software in Registrars Office Exam Format: Each lecture exam will consist of 10 questions (often with multiple parts) that will require relatively short answers. Examples of exams given in prior years are posted on Blackboard. Make-up Exams: Available only on a limited basis for students who are ill on the date of the test. Make-up exams will not be the same format as the regularly scheduled exam. Students must try to arrange their schedules to meet the two evening exam times! Please email me as soon as possible if you have a conflict with any of the scheduled exams. Grade changes: Errors on the grading of lecture exams will be reviewed for one week after exams are returned. Lectures: Powerpoint presentations will be given on the following tentative schedule of topics. An outline for each presentation will be posted on Blackboard and it is strongly recommended that you print off the outline and bring it to class to assist you with note taking. Following each presentation the powerpoint will be posted on Blackboard. Presentation Schedule Fall 2013 August 27 Introduction, Overview, and Characteristics of Mammals August 29 Scientific Method and Characteristics of Mammals (cont.) September 3 Origin of Mammals and Mammal-like Reptiles September 5 Mesozoic Mammals September 10 Early Mammalian Radiations and Monotremata September 12 Introduction to Marsupials (Metatheria) and the New World (American) Marsupials September 17 History of Australia and Primitive Australian Marsupials September 19 Advanced Australian Marsupials (Diprotodontia) September 24 Introduction to Eutherians, Superorder Afrotheria September 26 Magnorder Xenarthra: Cingulata and Pilosa October 1 Magnorder Boreoeutheria, Superorder Euarchontoglires: Scandentia, Dermoptera, Primates: Stepsrhini October 3 Primates: Haplorhini (including Hominoidea) October 8 Glires: Rodentia: Ctenhystricomorpha October 10 Glires: Rodentia: Sciuromorha and Castorimorpha October 15 Glires: Rodentia: Myomorpha and Anomaluromorpha; Lagomorphia October 17 Magnorder Boreoeutheria, Superorder Laurasiatheria, (Insectivora) Erinaceomorphia and Soricomorpha October 22 Origin of Bats, Echolocation and Flight Adaptations October 24 Chiroptera: Yinopterochiroptera October 29 Chiroptera: Yangochiroptera October 31 Chiroptera: Yangochiroptera November 5 Carnivora: Canoidea: Introduction, Canidae, Ursidae, Procyonidae, and Pandas November 7 Carnivora: Canoidea: Mustelidae, Mephitidae and the Pinipeds
November 14 Cursorial Adaptations and Perissodactyla
December 3 Cetartiodactyla: Hippopotamidae, Mesonychidae, and Cetacea Web Based Assignments: (100 points) Most weeks you will be given an assignment to research a specific question and provide a brief response including citations as to where you found the information that you used to develop your response. Since the web is now where one looks for information it is important to be able to identify creditable scientific information. Research Paper: (250 points) - A scientific or technical paper will be prepared following the format and style of a paper for the Journal of Mammalogy. This research paper (not a term paper or a review paper) comprises 21% of your grade. The following may be useful sources of information concerning content, organization, style and format: A paper from a recent issue of the Journal of Mammalogy. Carraway, L. N. 2006. Improving scientific writing and avoid perishing. American Midland Naturalists, 155:383-394. Carraway, L. N. 2007. Content and organization of a scientific paper. American Midland Naturalists, 157:412-422. Additional guidelines that will be posted on Blackboard and copies of the above papers and additional guidelines will be provided in the mammalogy lab. 1. The first step in this project is the preparation of a proposal. This proposal requires more effort than just an idea for a topic. You will need to research your topic to identify what question or hypothesis you would like to address and to determine what data are available to address your question or hypothesis. Research proposal (due September 16) - 25 points Should include the following sections: Introduction - Background to problem with citations of papers or other sources that document the information you are presenting. This background should include the observations that lead to your question or hypothesis. It is important to make it clear how the scientific method will be used to test or address either your hypothesis or the predictions you expect if the hypothesis is true.
how you are testing your hypothesis. This is usually the last paragraph of the Introduction.
what additional data are you going to try to find? How will the data you collect be analyzed to address your objectives, questions or hypothesis? Research Plan - Schedule of steps to be accomplished with deadline dates. Time lines for 1st, 2nd, and polished drafts. Literature Cited - Full reference to the papers cited in the introduction and materials and methods sections. See instruction and examples posted on Blackboard for the format to be used for references. 2. Collection and analysis of data. Data will be conducted from the literature and databases, assembled into table and analyzed with statistical methods or with a comparative method.
MorphBank – morphological data GenBank – genetic data (DNA sequences) Paleobiology Database – fossil data Mammal Fossil Database (NOW) Global Mammal Parasite Database Searchable databases – geographic records of mammal specimens Arctos
MaNIS Searchable Museum Collections Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at UC Berkely Collection Database at University of Alaska Museum Peabody Museum at Yale Natural History Museum, Berne (NMBE) University of Hawaii Smithsonian Institute at the National Museum of Natural History Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Field Museum, Chicago Laboratorio de Vertebrados – Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
are ready to write your Research Paper. a. I suggest starting with the results section including you data (Tables and Figures). I also suggest preparing the Literature Cited section as you are writing the paper rather after you are finished. b. After you have completed your first draft, read it over carefully and see if you can find mistakes or identify ways in which your paper could be improved. c. After making those changes, give your second draft to a friend or class mate and ask them to critically read your paper. Incorporate their suggestions and corrections that you deem to be valid.
Should include the following sections (see guidelines posted on Blackboard, printed guidelines in the mammalogy lab, and by
what you did). Introduction - Background to problem and clear statement of your objectives. Remember to make it clear how the scientific method is being used with a clear statement of the question or hypothesis and how that question or hypothesis is being objectively test or examined.
should not include the methods used in the papers from which you obtained your data
data you have collected or mined. Discussion - How does the data and analyses you presented in the results section address your objectives and test your hypotheses? How does the data or analyses you are presenting compare with that presented by others?
the format to be used for references. Figures and Tables (see guidelines). 4. You will be given copies of polished papers from two of your class mates and you will be asked to provide confidential critical reviews. You will be provided with some guidelines at the time you receive the papers to review.
Your reviews should provide constructive criticism of how each of the two papers you are reviewing can be improved. 4. On November 22 you may pick up the three reviews of your research paper (two from class mates and one from me) and you are asked to use these reviews to improve your paper. In making your revision you will need to prepare a cover letter describing in detail your responses to the reviewers comments and suggestions.
of Mammals Lab 2 – Value of Museum Collections (Mini-report) Week 2 September 3-6 Lab 3 – Preparation of Study Skins and Q Collection of Field Data Lab 4 – Cranial and Skeletal Anatomy Week 3 September 9-13 Lab 5 – Dental Anatomy Q (Mini-report) Lab 6 – Higher Classification and Key to the Living Orders Lab 7 – Order Monotremata Lab 8 – Cohort Metatheria (Marsupials)
Week 5 September 23-27 Lab 6 – Key to the Living Orders Lab 9 – Superorder Afrotheria Lab 10 – Magnaorder Xenarthra Lab 17 – Magnaorder Boreoeutheria: Superorder Euarchtoglirides: Orders Scandentia, Dermoptera, and Primates Week 6 Sept. 30-Oct. 4 Lab 19 – Population Biology
Week 7 October 7-11 Lab 6 – Key to the Living Orders Lab 18 – Magnaorder Boreoeutheria: Superorder Euarchtoglirides: Order Rodentia: Hystricomorpha, Sicuromorpha, & Castorimorpha
Superorder Euarchtoglirides: Order Rodentia: Myomorpha & Anomaluromorphia; and Order Lagomorpha
Superorder Laurasiatheria: Orders Erinaceomorphia & Soricomorpha Week 10 October 28- Nov. 1 Lab 6 – Key to the Living Orders Q Lab 12 – Magnaorder Boreoeutheria: Superorder Laurasiatheria: Order Chiroptera Week 11 November 4-8 Lab 6 – Key to the Living Orders Q Lab 13 – Magnaorder Boreoeutheria: Superorder Laurasiatheria: Order Carnivora Week 12 November 11-15 Lab 20 – Parasites and Zoonotics Q Week 13 November 18-22 Lab 6 – Key to the Living Orders Lab 14 – Magnaorder Boreoeutheria: Superorder Laurasiatheria: Order Philodota, Lab 15 – Order Perissodactyla Lab 16 – Mirorder Cetartiodactytla Week 14 December 2-4 Review and Lab Practicals Laboratory Grade: Laboratory Exercises - 250 points; including: a. 10 Laboratory Quizzes (10 points each) - 100 points Quizzes will be given at the first of the labs denoted with a Q over the material covered in the previous lab exercise. b. 2 Laboratory Reports (50 points each) - 100 points – If you take part in a field trip, you only need to prepare any two of the three reports. However, if you can’t participate in a filed trip you may make-up the points but preparing a third report. (see guidelines posted on Blackboard for preparation of lab reports) 1. Morphometrics and Systematics due Oct. 11 2. Population Biology due Oct. 25 3. Parasites and Zoonotics due Dec. 4 c. 2 Mini-reports (25 points each) - 50 points (see guidelines) 1. Value of Museum Collections due Sept. 13 2. Dental Anatomy due Sept. 27 Laboratory Practicals (200 points) - December 4 (6:00 pm) a. Mammals of New England - 100 points (Closed book with coverage of identification, taxonomy, adaptations, natural history) b. Mammals of the World - 100 points (Key [supplied] may be used; coverage restricted to identification and taxonomy) 3. Laboratory Project (150 points); examples: 1. Salvage of material and data from Herp pit traps (identify, measure, collect skulls, tag, record data) – minimum of 15 specimens 2. Mammal specimens (skins and skulls with data) – minimum of 3 specimens 3. Other: Processing of skulls (cleaning and some repair) – need 1 student Museum work: curatorial work of matching skin with skulls and data entry - possibility for 2 students Specimen identification - Peromyscus Morphometrics – minimum 25 specimens DNA sequencing – minimum 3 specimens Ectoparasites (collection and identification) Others possible – Let me know what you have in mind! 4. Field Trip (graded on participation and field notes) - 50 points You are invited to participate in one of two or three scheduled field trips, however, participation is not mandatory. Tentative Dates September 7-8 To be determined September 28-29 Small Mammal Survey (Charleston) October 12-13 Small Mammal Survey (Morgan) More details on each trip will be posted on Blackboard. If you are not able to attend any of the field trips and are concerned about the 50 points, you should plan on preparing and handing in on time lab reports for all three labs (Morphometrics and Systematics, Population Biology, Parasites and Zoonotics). Administrative Reminders:
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