BIOL 4651 - Marine Vertebrate Zoology and Ichthyology

Six credit hours.

A general study of the marine Chordata, with emphasis on fish including lower groups, mammals, and birds. Groups of vertebrates occurring in the area are associated with marine environments, with taxonomic characteristics used in their classification and identification, and with functional adaptations of the organisms. The greatest emphasis is placed on local fish. For obvious reasons, no conscious attempt is made to duplicate material that could be offered with ease to the student at his or her home institution. Every effort is made to take advantage of the unique teaching situation that the area provides.

Prerequisites: 16 credit hours of zoology including comparative morphology or consent of instructor.