FOR 520 - MAMMALS OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES

College of Ag, Food and Environment

Credit(s): 4

Covers the evolution, taxonomy, biogeography, biology, and natural history of mammals, emphasizing North American fauna. All mammalian orders extant (and extinct) in North America will receive coverage, emphasizing major morphological differences among groups, and physiological and behavioral adaptations to North American climates and ecosystems. Lecture discussions will cover major physiological systems (digestive, excretory, reproductive, etc.), energetics, diet and nutrition, reproductive patterns, and anatomical differences unique to each taxonomic order. Laboratory exercises will stress identification of extant mammals occurring in eastern North America, with a heavy emphasis on species occurring in Kentucky and adjacent states.

Prereq: Entry level courses in biology (BIO 148 or equivalent), field ecology (FOR 340 or equivalent), and wildlife management (FOR 370 or equivalent) or consent of instructor.