Mammalian Winter Ecology
(EFB 484/684) - 2 credits
Spring Break, March 9 - 14, 2008
Instructors: Dr. Joseph. F. Merritt (JFM) and Dr. William F. Porter(WFP)
- Joseph F. Merritt
Illinois Natural History Survey
1816 S. Oak Street
Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: (217) 265-7301
jmerritt@uiuc.edu
www.indstate.edu/ecology/faculty/merritt.htm
- William F Porter
Faculty of Environmental and Forest Biology
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Syracuse, NY 13210
Phone: (315) 470-6798; FAX: (315) 470-6934
wfporter@syr.edu
DESCRIPTION OF COURSE:
Lectures will discuss identification, natural history, behavior, physiology and ecology of mammals. Adaptations enhancing over winter survivorship of mammals in northern environments will be emphasized. Laboratory will employ live-trapping-mark-recapture methods applied to small mammals. Evaluation of students is based on 1) expertise with field techniques, 2) oral and written critique of a recent scientific article on small mammal ecology, and 3) proficiency in a written final examination and maintenance of a field journal.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Students will learn field techniques associated with ecology and population processes of mammals. Proficiency will be gained in observational techniques of large mammals and live capturing and identifying small mammals inhabiting the Adirondack Mountains of New York. In addition, students will become familiar with concepts in small mammal ecology, activity patterns, population processes, habitat requirements and adaptations that enhance winter survivorship of mammals residing in northern environments. Experience gained in oral presentation of a scientific article will help acquaint students with guidelines for presentations at national and international meetings of scientific "societies."
SCHEDULE:


