BIOLOGY 4142 - ORNITHOLOGY - SPRING 2008 - DR. REMSEN (578-2855)
T.A.: Gustavo Bravo (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:
14: Introduction. Importance of birds.
16: Structure of ornithology in North America
21: [NO CLASS -- MLK HOLIDAY]
23: Origin of Birds. The significance of Archaeopteryx
28: Evolution of flight
30: Evolution of birds

February
4: [NO CLASS -- MARDI GRAS HOLIDAY]
6: [NO CLASS -- MARDI GRAS HOLIDAY]
11: Adaptations for flight
13: Adaptations for flight
18: Taxonomy and species concepts
20: Allopatric speciation model; reproductive isolating mechanisms
25: Hybridization
27: Biogeography

March
3: Evolution of island birds
5: Social systems
10: Mating systems
12: MIDSEMESTER EXAM?
17: [NO CLASS -- SPRING BREAK]
19: [NO CLASS -- SPRING BREAK]
24: Feeding social organization
26: Territoriality
31: Vocalizations

April
2: Nests and eggs, Growth patterns of young birds
7: Timing of breeding
9: Timing of breeding
14: Migration
16: Migration
21: Effects of humans on bird populations
23: Effects of humans on bird populations
28: Ecology of extinction
30: Ecology of extinction

FINAL EXAM: Saturday, 10 May, 3-5 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