BIOLOGY 4142 - ORNITHOLOGY - SPRING 2009

DR. REMSEN (578-2855)

T.A.: Luciano Naka (578-2855)

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4.0 CREDIT HOURS LECTURES: M, W, 3:40 - 5:00 in Foster 214
LABS: SEC. 1 - Th 7:40 -10:30 AM in Foster 214
SEC. 2 - F 7:40 - 10:30 " "
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Texts:

Lecture: [none]
Lab: A Field Guide to the Birds of Eastern North America by R. T. Peterson

LECTURE SCHEDULE:

January:
12: Introduction. Importance of birds.
14: Structure of ornithology in North America
19: [NO CLASS -- MLK HOLIDAY]
21: Origin of Birds. The significance of Archaeopteryx
26: Evolution of flight
28: Evolution of birds

February
2: Adaptations for flight
4: Adaptations for flight
9: Taxonomy and species concepts
11: Allopatric speciation model; reproductive isolating mechanisms
16: Hybridization
18: Biogeography
23: [NO CLASS -- MARDI GRAS HOLIDAY]
25: [NO CLASS -- MARDI GRAS HOLIDAY]

March
2: Evolution of island birds
4: Social systems
9: Mating systems
11: MIDSEMESTER EXAM?
16: Feeding social organization
18: Territoriality
23: Vocalizations
25: Nests and eggs, Growth patterns of young birds
30: Timing of breeding

April
1: Timing of breeding
6: [NO CLASS -- SPRING BREAK]
8: [NO CLASS -- SPRING BREAK]
13: Migration
15: Migration
20: Effects of humans on bird populations
22: Effects of humans on bird populations
27: Ecology of extinction
29: Ecology of extinction

FINAL EXAM: Wednesday, May 6, 5:30-7:30 PM

GRADING

Midterm exam 225 points
Final exam (cumulative) 375 points
= 600 points in lecture

Lab Quizzes (5) 100 points
Lab Final Exam (cumulative) 100 points
= 200 points in lab

TOTAL POINTS = 800

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