This course examines vertebrate anatomy with an emphasis on comparative, functional, and evolutionary perspectives. Because anatomy is an active, hands-on science, laboratory work is as important as lectures. Lab activities will focus on vertebrate phylogeny and comparative morphology, particularly the skeletal and organ systems of sharks, cats, and other representative species.
Students in this course will examine the relationships among organisms and between organisms and their environment. Essentially, ecology provides an empirical and theoretical framework for understanding the factors that regulate the distribution and abundance of life on earth. Among other things, students will learn to: use terms and concepts that describe interactions both among and within species; identify the challenges presented by specific habitats and ecological adaptations to those challenges; and apply ecological concepts to current issues.
Students in this course will delve into the remarkable biodiversity of the Neotropics, examining the processes and patterns that shape it as well as the threats it faces. Alongside insights from published experts on tropical ecosystems, students will engage with their own field observations and learn from the invaluable knowledge shared by indigenous Belizeans. Images below.
This course is offered through University of Washington's marine field station, Friday Harbor Labs. Students will use the diverse marine fish community of the San Juan Islands (WA) as a tool to explore the relationship between functional morphology and ecology. Students in the course will learn: (1) the evolutionary history and relationships of the major radiations of bony and cartilaginous fishes; (2) basic ecological principles as they relate to fish biology; (3) tools and techniques for collecting fishes; (4) basic morphology of cartilaginous and bony fishes; (5) tools and techniques used by functional morphologists and biomechanists.