MARINE VERTEBRATES: BIOSM 477/ZOOL 753
dates: will be offered in 2009credit hours: 6 semester credits
Prerequisites: Completion of a course in vertebrate biology or an equivalent course at the level from which the applicant can demonstrate a knowledge of basic vertebrate anatomy, physiology and systematics; permission of the instructor. Daily and evening lectures, laboratories and field work, except for one free weekend.
A course in marine vertebrate biology emphasizing laboratory studies, field collections or observations, and reading from current literature. General topics will include vertebrate evolution, ecology, conservation, and management of existing marine vertebrate populations. Special emphasis on Gulf of Maine species and their complex inter-relationships, with critical analysis of current issues in management including national and international economic and political aspects. The general curriculum is subdivided into three categories: (1) Systematics of Gulf of Maine fishes, elasmobranch biology, teleost skeleto-muscular structure and function, population biology and contemporary Gulf of Maine fisheries; (2) Biology of marine reptiles and birds, ecology and conservation of sea turtles, avian adaptations to life at sea and coloniality in sea birds; (3) Evolution and systematics of marine mammals, marine mammal anatomy, sensory biology and diving physiology, cetacean feeding behavior and ecology.
Faculty: Dr. JB Heiser, Cornell University Back to the Top
