Biology 4429 - OBJECTIVES

What is Mammalogy

• the scientific study of mammals.
• What is a mammal?

Why Study Mammals

The objective of this course is to survey the phylogenetic relationships, diversity, and biology of the mammals.  This will include understanding the following topics:

1. characterization of the orders and families of the extant mammals.
2. the evolutionary history of the various mammalian lineages
3. morphological adaptations of mammals for feeding, locomotion, reproduction, etc.
4. physiological adaptations of mammals for homeostasis and reproduction.
5. behavioral adaptations of mammals for feeding, homeostasis,, reproduction, etc.

Upon completion of this course, the successful student

1. should have a familiarity (recognition of general appearance, knowledge of distribution, and basic biology) with all the orders and most of the families of mammals of the world
2. be exposed to interesting areas and techniques of research in mammalian biology (some of which will be eminently applicable to other animal groups)
3. have the ability to identify most of the orders and families of mammals, particularly from cranial and dental characteristics.
4. have the ability to identify many of the mammal species from Texas
5. know how to capture and mark mammals.