Vertebrate Laboratory

Catalog description

W F S 301 Vertebrate Laboratory (2) The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the anatomy of the vertebrates and to expose students to the diversity of vertebrates that reside in Pennsylvania. Students will dissect and learn the anatomy of the dogfish, frog, and cat or mink. Additional laboratory periods will concentrate on collecting/observing, and identifying fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Museum curation techniques will be taught, and students will be required to construct dichotomous keys to specimens that inhabit Pennsylvania. The identification part of the course is meant to introduce students to representatives of the taxa that occur within the Commonwealth in preparation for higher-level courses in ichthyology, herpetology, ornithology, or mammalogy. Collection techniques will emphasize the proper collection and preservation of organisms for natural history museums.