Aquatic Biology

biol 322 - Great lakes - Summer Session I

Ecology, identification, systematics, culture, and care of aquatic plants and animals, and adaptations to freshwater environments. Aquatic life is studied in the laboratory as well as in natural systems. Emphasis is placed on lakes, ponds, and streams, but wetlands (bogs, marshes, swamps) are also touched upon. The course assesses human impact on aquatic species and ecosystems, presents procedures for the stewardship of aquatic habitats with an emphasis on stream quality assessment, and introduces aquatic restoration ecology. Prerequisite: one year of general biology or one semester each of general zoology and general botany. (4 credits)

Field

Professor: Dr. Steven Lane

Meets: Wednesday & Friday

knowledge gained

Community structure, lake stratification and the River Continuum Concept

Systematics and adaptations of aquatic organisms

Energy flow and nutrient cycling in aquatic systems

Human impact on aquatic systems with special emphasis on pollution and on the impact of invasive species

Aquatic restoration: erosion control, dam removal, stocking, control of invasive species

skills developed

Caring for freshwater tank displays

Chemical physical and biological stream assessment with emphasis in macroinvertebrate collection and identification

Computation of Water Quality Index Rating

Computation of Pollution Tolerance Index Rating

Fish identification using field keys

How to use a DO meter, Secchi disk, turbidity tube, Van Dorn sampler, Eckmann dredge and plankton nets

How to assess E. coli levels in aquatic systems

Field Experiences

Beaver Pond

Au Sable or Manistee River (chemical and biological assessment)

Sunset Trail Swamp

Boardman River

Big Twin Lake

Manistee Lake

Bear Lake Bog

Jordan River Fish Hatchery