BIO1515 — Biology of Amphibians/Reptiles
Students will learn the basic organismal biology, anatomy and physiology, evolutionary history, classification, behavior, and ecological relevance of amphibians and reptiles. In addition to basic amphibian and reptile biology topics highlighting unique features of these charismatic and often poorly-understood animals will be discussed. Students will examine amphibians and reptiles as part of our environment including inter and intra-specific interactions, environmental pressures and conservation issues. Students will explore the biomedical relevance of amphibians and reptiles to mankind as biological indicators, sources of medically relevant pharmacological agents as well as significant threats to human health in some parts of the world (snake bite, crocodile attacks). Current conservation issues surrounding global decline in amphibian species and other future threats to the continued survival of these groups will be discussed. Eligibility: ENG 1510 without supports or Corequisite: ENG 1510 with supports. J spring.