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Ornithology

General

Prefix

BIOL

Course Number

424

Course Level

Undergraduate

Department/Unit(s)

College/School

College of Science and Engineering

Description

Biology of birds. Phylogeny, classification, evolutionary origins, morphology, ecology, behavior, population dynamics, life histories, adaptations. Field identification.

Prerequisites

Credits

Min

4

Max

4

Repeatable

No

Goals and Diversity

MN Goal Course

No

Cultural Diversity

No

Learning Outcomes

Outcome

Summarize the evolutionary history of the bird clade and of evolutionary relationships among living clades of vertebrates.

Outcome

Assess and compare the taxonomic diversity of birds, with an emphasis on groups native to North America.

Outcome

Analyze the anatomy, physiology, and reproductive biology of birds, and compare to that for other groups of vertebrates.

Outcome

Summarize the ecology, behavior, and conservation of birds.

Outcome

Evaluate and assess bird diversity in ecosystems in the Midwestern United States via sampling techniques and field methods.

Outcome

Evaluate and assess the data and conclusions drawn from the primary literature in ornithology.

Outcome

Identify birds in the field and laboratory.

Course Outline

Course Outline

Phylogeny and classification. 20% Biodiversity patterns. 15% Evolution and evolutionary origins. 10% Anatomy and physiology. 20% Ecology and life history. 10% Conservation. 10% Behavior. 10% Societal and economic importance. 5%

Dependencies

Programs

BIOL424 is a completion requirement for: