Reptile & Amphibian Evolution

Catalog description

This course provides an opportunity for advanced study of the biology of "reptiles" and amphibians in an evolutionary context. The entire spectrum of reptile and amphibian diversity is studied from the first known fossil amphibians and their ancestors through all living and extinct clades. Anatomical, physiological, and behavioral biology are also examined from an evolutionary perspective; utilizing the principles of cladistic analysis, each system is examined from its most primitive condition to the many unique derived conditions found among living and/or fossil amphibians and reptiles. Current controversies may be featured, and topics span from molecular to organismal and ecological. The course will include the use of dissection and physiological laboratory techniques to study various topics.