BIO-210 Winter Ecological Adaptations and Field Techniques

A combination of lecture and field work will be used to gain a proficiency in the over wintering adaptations of organisms in the northeast, specifically the Finger Lakes region. Adaptations of mammals will be emphasized. Lectures will focus on identification, natural history, behavior, physiology and ecology of mammals. Laboratory will include field trips to various habitats in and around Honeoye, NY, identification of animal signs, and mark & recapture techniques to assess habitat selection of small mammals residing in the subnivium environment.

Credits

3

Lecture Contact Hours

0

Lab Contact Hours

0

Other Contact Hours

3

Department

• Science & Technology

Grading Scheme

• Letter

SUNY Gen Ed Credit

• No

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Recall the natural history of various mammals whose home ranges include the Finger Lakes region
2. Describe morphological, physiological and behavioral adaptations to cold weather thermal regulation
3. Articulate the importance of attributes of snow, vegetation and landform to survival of mammals in winter
4. Demonstrate proficiency in field techniques associated with ecology, winter population processes, and the identification of small mammals
5. Apply knowledge in observational techniques and identification of animal signs during class field trips
6. Discuss proficiently concepts in small mammal ecology and habitat requirements that enhance winter survivorship

View Course Outline

BIO 210: Winter Ecological Adaptations and Field Techniques

Department

Science and Technology

Course Description

A combination of lecture and field work will be used to gain a proficiency in the over wintering adaptations of organisms in the northeast, specifically the Finger Lakes region. Adaptations of mammals will be emphasized. Lectures will focus on identification, natural history, behavior, physiology and ecology of mammals. Laboratory will include field trips to various habitats in and around Honeoye, NY, identification of animal signs, and mark & recapture techniques to assess habitat selection of small mammals residing in the subnivium environment.

Credit Hours

3

Contact Hours

Lecture	0
Lab	0
Other	3

Grading Scheme

Letter

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Recall the natural history of various mammals whose home ranges include the Finger Lakes region
2. Describe morphological, physiological and behavioral adaptations to cold weather thermal regulation
3. Articulate the importance of attributes of snow, vegetation and landform to survival of mammals in winter
4. Demonstrate proficiency in field techniques associated with ecology, winter population processes, and the identification of small mammals
5. Apply knowledge in observational techniques and identification of animal signs during class field trips
6. Discuss proficiently concepts in small mammal ecology and habitat requirements that enhance winter survivorship

Topic Outline

Being a residential course, the flexibility of time will be implemented throughout the 5 1/2 days at Muller. Time will be divided up between:

1. Field work, approximately four times per day baiting, setting and checking live traps, processing organisms, marking and releasing individuals;
2. Lecture on snow morphology, other physical characteristics of winter, and the various adaptation of organisms in the northeast, including, plants, amphibians, reptiles, birds, but emphasizing mammals;
3. Student oral presentation on specific adaptations related to cold weather thermal regulation;
4. Students scientifically analyzing and summarizing data collected throughout week.