Mammalogy (BIOL 271)
Mammalia is perhaps one of the most morphologically and ecologically diverse groups of vertebrates. The diversity of this group includes tiny shrews to the 30-meter long blue whales. Some mammals have adaptations for an underground and aquatic lifestyle and others have evolved morphological modifications to fly and swim. While some mammals are considered ‘solitary’ like cats and baleen whales others exhibit various degrees of social organization. For example, dolphins and African ungulates live in groups that can have thousands of individuals, and mole rats live in society like bees!
Current molecular techniques have made possible the discovery several new cryptic species, including the Tapanuli Orangutan and the Araguaian River dolphin. Mammals occupy many important ecological roles in biological communities. Large whales are important ecosystem engineers that not only impact nutrient distribution (horizontally and vertically) in the oceans but also in land. Furthermore, mammals are an important part of the life cycle of many parasites and associated diseases (e.g., Ebola, HIV, etc.). Therefore, they are valuable in laboratories aiming to understand human diseases and drug efficiency. Unfortunately, extant mammals are facing many challenges; about 173 mammal species are declining, with half of this species are losing their historic distribution range primarily due to human activities. Defaunation (the loss of fauna) is deeply affecting trophic interactions and ecological processes all over the world. For example, mammals play key ecological roles such as pollinators and seed dispersers. Therefore, their extinction can have a cascading effect at various geographical scales.
This semester will begin first establishing basic aspects of mammal morphology, systematics, evolution, and reproduction. Then we will dive into the tree of life of mammals. We will learn about major groups (e.g., orders, families, species) behavioral ecology and adaptive strategies in their morphology and physiology, their life histories, habitat selection, behavior, and communication. Because my training is multi-disciplinary, I will take that same approach to teach this course. You will also have the opportunity to conduct research project, and contribute to in-class discussion. There are two field trips, in one you will have the opportunity to capture and examine small mammals and a trip to Boston (or NH, TBD) to see whales. If you are interested in museums, you can assist with the curation of the mammal research collection at Blundell House (opportunity limit to 4 students) under the supervision of Dr. Bill Kilpatrick. Your lab work will account for 40% of your grade (see break down for the lab in the Lab Syllabus). What this means is that you have an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and abilities in ways other than traditional exams.
Learning Outcomes
Current molecular techniques have made possible the discovery several new cryptic species, including the Tapanuli Orangutan and the Araguaian River dolphin. Mammals occupy many important ecological roles in biological communities. Large whales are important ecosystem engineers that not only impact nutrient distribution (horizontally and vertically) in the oceans but also in land. Furthermore, mammals are an important part of the life cycle of many parasites and associated diseases (e.g., Ebola, HIV, etc.). Therefore, they are valuable in laboratories aiming to understand human diseases and drug efficiency. Unfortunately, extant mammals are facing many challenges; about 173 mammal species are declining, with half of this species are losing their historic distribution range primarily due to human activities. Defaunation (the loss of fauna) is deeply affecting trophic interactions and ecological processes all over the world. For example, mammals play key ecological roles such as pollinators and seed dispersers. Therefore, their extinction can have a cascading effect at various geographical scales.
This semester will begin first establishing basic aspects of mammal morphology, systematics, evolution, and reproduction. Then we will dive into the tree of life of mammals. We will learn about major groups (e.g., orders, families, species) behavioral ecology and adaptive strategies in their morphology and physiology, their life histories, habitat selection, behavior, and communication. Because my training is multi-disciplinary, I will take that same approach to teach this course. You will also have the opportunity to conduct research project, and contribute to in-class discussion. There are two field trips, in one you will have the opportunity to capture and examine small mammals and a trip to Boston (or NH, TBD) to see whales. If you are interested in museums, you can assist with the curation of the mammal research collection at Blundell House (opportunity limit to 4 students) under the supervision of Dr. Bill Kilpatrick. Your lab work will account for 40% of your grade (see break down for the lab in the Lab Syllabus). What this means is that you have an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and abilities in ways other than traditional exams.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the geological, environmental and biological factors that contributed to the radiation of mammals.
- Learn about the morphological and physiological adaptations of mammals to a wide range of habitats.
- Apply evolutionary and systematic principles to understand the wide diversity of mammal reproductive, ecological, physiological and communicative strategies.
- Appreciate the importance of protecting mammals worldwide.
- Recognize and utilize the scientific method in the study of mammals
- Be able to critically analyze literature by synthesizing literature and forming own opinions for class discussion.
- Learn about traditional methods to study mammals and convert data into summary figures, identify patterns, and use statistical analysis to support conclusions
FALL 2019 TRIP TO BOSTON
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FALL 2018 TRIP TO BOSTON
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FALL 2017 Small rodent field trip Vermont
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Francis holding for the first time in her life a shrew!
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FALL 2019 SYMPOSIUM
STUDENT RESEARCH PROJECTS 2019
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STUDENT RESEARCH PROJECTS 2018
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