Mammalogy

Catalog description

This course will cover mammalian evolutionary history from the first basal synapsids over 300 million years ago, when the mammalian lineage split from the reptile lineage. The series of transformations that occurred leading to modern living mammals will be studied by examining the fossil record. Living mammalian biodiversity will be explored at the family level. For all extant groups the course will examine evolutionary history, life history traits, and ecological aspects, including conservation issues. Several “hot button” issues regarding conservation will be highlighted, such as the plight of the white rhino and cases where mammals are invasive species. Anatomy of mammals will be examined in lab, with dissections and study of osteological specimens. Course Learning Outcomes 1. Recall phylogenetic relationships of modern mammalian orders. 2. Recognize the names of the mammalian orders and their associated families. 3. Describe the distribution patterns, diets, key anatomical features, and conservation issues of most modern mammalian families. 4. Discuss the history of placental mammal classification, focusing on the shift caused by molecular systematics. 5. Grasp mammalian evolutionary history, starting from the basal synapsids of the Carboniferous. 6. Identify mammals to the family level, based upon examinations of cranial material. 7. Compare and contrast various assessments of modern mammal conservation issues, understanding the myriad pressures of the living forms and realize why some species are beyond true recovery. 8. Investigate the scientific primary literature to explore a single mammalian species of their choice and develop a presentation and report summarizing their findings. View Class Schedule