Mammal Diversity and Evolution

Catalog description

This course focuses on the anatomical and taxonomic diversity of mammals in an evolutionary context. The emphasis is on living (extant) mammals, but extinct mammals are also discussed. By the end of the course, students will be able to: (1) describe the key anatomical and physiological features of mammals; (2) name all orders and most families of living mammals; (3) identify a mammal skull to order and family; (4) understand how to create and interpret a phylogenetic tree; (5) appreciate major historical patterns in mammal diversity and biogeography as revealed by the fossil record; (6) read and critique a scientific article dealing with mammal evolution. This course satisfies a laboratory requirement for the biology major. Recommended preparation: ANAT 301 , BIOL 223 , BIOL 225 , or BIOL 346 . Offered as ANAT 345 , ANAT 445 and BIOL 345 . Prereq: BIOL 214 .