Ornithology

Catalog description

This course will introduce students to the scientific study of birds. This will include exploring the evolutionary history of the emergence of the avian lineage from its dinosaur ancestor as well as the distinguishing characteristics and inferred evolutionary relationships between modern bird lineages. We will discuss the anatomical and physiological adaptations for flight including the structure and function of feathers and the mechanics of wings. Considerable time will also be devoted to the behavioral ecology of birds with emphasis on the scientific methods used to ask and answer such questions. And finally, we will discuss the conservation biology of bird populations and species preservation from monitoring and management points of view. Prerequisites: Undergraduate level BIOL160 Minimum grade of C- and Undergraduate level BIOL161 Minimum grade of C- and Undergraduate level BIOL162 Minimum grade of C- and Undergraduate level BIOL163 Minimum grade of C- Co-requisites: BIOL351 College of Arts & Sciences Biology