Animal Ecology

biol 321 - Great Lakes - Summer Session I

Interrelationships between animals and their biotic and physical environments, emphasizing animal population and community dynamics. A field course that centers on the ecology of northern Michigan fauna from a field biology perspective with an emphasis on stewardship. Included are individual student projects. Prerequisite: one year of introductory science. (4 credits)

Field

Professor: Dr. Matt Ingle

Meets: Wednesday & Friday

Knowledge gained

Principles of animal ecology, including information on distribution, habitat, movement, reproduction, and behavior

Understanding of population and community dynamics

Ability to read and understand scientific literature on animal ecology

Ability to develop and conduct hypothesis-driven research

skills developed

Identification of northern vertebrates, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes

Use of capture methods and indicies to assess population size, community diversity, and multi-community similarities

Experience with the Grinnell system for field journaling

Ability to conduct field research, prepare a research poster and present scientific results

field experiences

Wilderness State Park

Lake Skegemog

Hartwick Pines State Park

South Higgins Lake State Park - "Big Day" bird watching competition

Night search for nocturnal animals

Bog & Forest Study site - Daily sampling of small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds