BIOL 0030. Introduction to Ornithology
Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to the general ecology, evolution, and physiology of birds, with an emphasis on northern California avifauna. (CSU, UC)
BIOL 0030 - Introduction to Ornithology
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/biol-0030/
Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Hours: 54 lecture Description: Introduction to the general ecology, evolution, and physiology of birds, with an emphasis on northern California avifauna. (CSU, UC) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Outline the key characteristics and evolutionary adaptations found in birds. Investigate common field and laboratory techniques used in ornithology. Identify and describe examples of regional representatives of the major taxonomic groups. Evaluate the effectiveness of current local, state, and federal bird conservation programs. Course Content Outline 1. Introduction to the science of ornithology (scientific method, key historical figures, etc.) 2. Theory of evolution, forms of selection 3. Diversity of birds 4. Evolution of birds 5. Classification of birds 6. Feathers (structure, growth, evolution, colors, etc.) 7. Flight (aerodynamics, types, wing shapes, etc.) 8. Physiology (temperature regulation, respiration, etc.) 9. Behavior and communication (senses, intelligence, vocalizations, etc.) 10. Annual cycles (circadian rhythms, breeding seasons, molt, etc.) 11. Migration and navigation 12. Social behavior (territoriality, coloniality, flocking, etc.) 13. Mating systems (mate choice, sexual selection, etc.) 14. Reproduction (egg production, nests, incubation, etc.) 15. Parenting (altricial vs. precocial species, etc.) 16. Population ecology (life-history patterns, population dynamics, hybridization, speciation, etc.) 17. Conservation (global trends, strategies, California refuge system, etc.) Course Objectives Course Objectives Course objectives are linked to items listed in the course content outline (in parentheses) 1. Outline general steps of scientific discovery; distinguish between hypothesis, prediction, and theory (#1) 2. Explain how natural selection can lead to speciation; outline major drivers of natural selection (#2) 3. List basic characteristics of birds, outline their general adaptations and list the major taxonomic groups (#1, #3, #5) 4. Identify the typical representatives of major taxonomic groups of birds that can be found in northern California (#3, #4, #5) 5. Synthesize the current understanding of bird evolution; compare and contrast techniques used in reconstructing phylogenies (#2, #4, #5) 6. Analyze the unique aspects of avian anatomy and physiology; compare and contrast bird anatomy and physiology with that of mammals, and correlate the differences with the unique adaptations of birds (#4, #6, #7, #8) 7. Analyze adaptive value of bird song as a means of communication (#9) 8. Evaluate the evidence for avian cognition (#9) 9. Describe typical avian annual cycles and explain their adaptive significance (#10, #11) 10. Evaluate the different social behaviors exhibited by birds, providing examples from birds of northern California (#12) 11. Differentiate among mating systems found in birds; compare and contrast altricial and precocial modes of development (#13, #14, #15) 12. Summarize examples of annual fluctuations in population numbers and density of local bird species, explaining the implications for conservation efforts (#10, #11, #16, #17) 13. Analyze the effect of habitat destruction on local bird populations and evaluate the role of California and Federal Refuge Systems in local avian conservation efforts (#16, #17) Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Essay Examinations Objective Examinations Projects Reports Reading Assignments 1. Read the chapter in the textbook about conservation and compare that to state or local efforts to protect bird species and/or habitat. 2. Read a published scientific paper about a topic, such as the evolutionary origins of the penguin family, and be prepared to discuss the topic in class. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Write a 2-4 page paper about an ornithological topic, such as the evolutionary adaptations exhibited by a group of birds or a life history account for a local bird species. 2. Answer an essay question on an exam about a topic covered in class, such as distinguishing between the various wing shapes and how those shapes affect the flight ability of the bird. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)
...0032A BIOL 110B BIOL 0005 BIOL 120B BIOL...0042 MATH 210 MATH 0030 MATH 220 MATH...
