Ichthyology

Spring 2008

Christopher L. Higgins	Office Hours:
Office: 213I Science Building	MWF 9:00 - 10:00 & 11:00 - 12:00
Phone: (254) 968-9019	And by appointment
E-mail: higgins@tarleton.edu	http://www.tarleton.edu/~higgins

Course Description:

Ichthyology encompasses various aspects of the study of fishes, including anatomy, behavior, conservation, ecology, evolution, physiology, taxonomy, and zoogeography. More than 24,000 species of fishes have been described from every conceivable aquatic habitat, making it the largest group of vertebrates known. To help organize the inherent complexity associated with the study of fishes, this course will consist of three major parts: (1) the anatomy and physiology of fishes, (2) the evolution, systematics, and zoogeography of fishes, and (3) the conservation and ecology of fishes. The material will cover fishes from around the world, both marine and freshwater, but will emphasize the freshwater fishes of Texas. The unparalleled diversity of fishes provides an excellent opportunity to effectively illustrate fundamental concepts of ecology and evolutionary biology.

Major Learning Outcomes:

Students who successfully complete this course should be able to:

differentiate the major families of fishes represented in North America
describe the anatomy, physiology, and reproduction of bony and cartilaginous fishes
create and use a dichotomous key for the purpose of morphological identification of an unknown fish species
explain the role of evolution and biogeography in influencing the formation of major groups of fishes
depict the ecological interactions that occur between fishes and their aquatic environment.

Class Schedule:
Lecture TR: 8:00 – 9:15 in room 105 of the Science building

Lab R: 2:25 – 5:25 in room 404 of the Science building

Required Course Materials:

Thomas, C., T.H. Bonner, and B.G. Whiteside. 2007. Freshwater Fishes of Texas. Texas A&M University Press. 202 pps.

Grade Determination:

The final course grade will be calculated on the basis of class participation (15%), lecture exams (60%), and laboratory (25%). No grades will be dropped, and no curves will be given. Course grades will be assigned as follows: A = 90 – 100; B = 80 – 89; C = 70 – 79; D = 60 – 69; F = 0 – 59.