R. H. Wiley: Teaching

BIOLOGY 277
VERTEBRATE FIELD ZOOLOGY

FALL SEMESTERS, 9:00 MWF, 128 WILSON HALL

COURSE AIMS

This course uses recent field studies of vertebrates to develop an understanding of current issues in evolution, ecology, behavior, physiology, and conservation.   We also take the opportunity to learn about some of the diversity of living vertebrates.

LECTURE TOPICS

The first section of this course examines vertebrate species and the process of speciation (examples: Southern Appalachian salamanders, Galapagos birds ...).

The second section shifts to the study of reproduction and survival as the basis for understanding ecological competition, population regulation, and natural selection (examples: tundra swans, red deer, guppies ...).

The third section considers the evolution of relationships between predators and prey, males and females, and cooperating individuals (examples: gray wolves, coral reef fish, tropical wrens ...).

Finally we consider how all of these topics help us to understand the relationships of humans and other vertebrates ... past and future.

LECTURE SUMMARIES

The topics covered in lectures do not correspond to those in any available text.   Instead of requiring a textbook, I provide lecture summaries for students' use on the BIOL 72 web site.   There are also lots of recommendations for outside reading.

EXAMS

There are two lecture exams and a one-hour final each semester.   Each exam consists of an essay about material from the lectures.   A short list of possible questions is distributed in advance.

ENROLLMENT

If you are a freshman or sophomore with a special interest in this course, or if you have any other concern about enrollment, please send me a note before registration begins..

OFFICE HOURS

My office is 323 Wilson Hall.   I'm usually there in early afternoon.   Come by any time -- or send an email to make an appointment -- rhwiley [at] email.unc.edu.

BIOL 277 web site

BIOL 277L web site

Wiley's homepage