Herpetology
Spring 2015
BioSci 440
Ecology and Evolution of Amphibians and Reptiles
Instructor:
Lecture:
Dr. Gerlinde Höbel
Office: S299 Lapham, Phone: 229-2284, email: hoebel@uwm.edu
Office Hours: Tue 3:30-4:30pm, or by appointment
T R 2:00-3:15 pm, Lapham Hall 250
Course Description
Investigation of the evolutionary history of amphibians and reptiles, and their patterns of biological diversity,
morphology, life history, ecology, and behavior. 3 hrs lecture. The course is suitable for upper level
undergraduate and graduate students. Prereq: Bio Sci 310 (P)
Textbook: Herpetology, 4rd edition, by Laurie J. Vitt & Janalee P. Caldwell , ISBN-10: 0123869196; $ 53,Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles & Amphibians of Eastern & Central North America by R.
Conant & J.T. Collins, ISBN-10: 0395904528, $ 13
*** Textbooks are optional – not required for the class ***
Learning Goals
After completing this course students will …
 know the biological features that characterize Amphibia and Reptilia, and that make them distinct from
other vertebrates.
 have an awareness of the diversity within the classes Amphibia and Reptilia, including morphology,
physiology, behavior, ecology, and life history.
 know about the important role amphibians and reptiles play in the ecological interactions of natural
communities
 be able to critically review literature to assess the state of knowledge concerning a given taxon
Expectations of all students
· Attend all lectures
· Prepare for lectures by completing reading and other assignments before class
· Participation in group exercises and discussions
Statement of time investment
This is a three-credit class, so the expected time commitment from students is appr. 12 hours/week (lecture +
studying/reading/assignments). Although the exact breakdown will vary by student and by week, the
expectation is that students will spend approx. 30% of the time attending lecture, 30% reading and reviewing
lecture notes, 20% on homework assignments and 20% studying for exams.
Missed exams and assignments:
Make-up exams will only be given for legitimate reasons (illness, emergency, religious holiday), and must be
documented. Except for extreme emergencies, notification of absence from an exam must be given prior to
the exam date to avoid a grade of 0%. Make-up exams may not be the same as the ones taken by the rest of
the class.
Herpetology
Spring 2015
Course Requirements and Grading
1. Exams Four (4) exams will be given during the semester. Exams will include matching, true/false and
multiple choice questions. The exams will be non-cumulative, but may rely and build upon understanding
material covered earlier in the semester.
2. Herps of Wisconsin ID: one (1) lab-practical style exam will be given at end of semester (final exam time).
Questions will focus on identification (incl. calls and eggs/larva) and natural history of Wisconsin
amphibians and reptiles.
4 exams
Herp ID
Undergraduate
20 points each
20 points
Grading Scheme
A
A-
93-100%
90-92%
B+
B
B-
4 exams
Herp ID
Literature review
87-89%
83-86%
80-82%
C+
C
C-
77-79%
73-76%
70-72%
Graduate
20 points each
20 points
50 points
D+
D
D-
67-69%
63-66%
60-62%
F
0-59%
University Guidelines
Academic Misconduct
The university has a responsibility to promote academic honesty and integrity and to develop procedures to
deal effectively with instances of academic dishonesty. Students are responsible for the honest completion and
representation of their work, for the appropriate citation of sources, and for respect of others' academic
endeavors. A more detailed description of Student Academic Disciplinary Procedures may be found at:
http://www4.uwm.edu/acad_aff/policy/academicmisconduct.cfm
Complaint Procedures
Students may direct complaints to the head of the academic unit or department in which the complaint occurs.
If the complaint allegedly violates a specific university policy, it may be directed to the head of the department
or academic unit in which the complaint occurred or to the appropriate university office responsible for enforcing
the policy.
Grade Appeal Procedures
A student may appeal a grade on the grounds that it is based on a capricious or arbitrary decision of the course
instructor. Such an appeal shall follow the established procedures adopted by the department, college, or
school in which the course resides. These procedures are available in writing from the respective department
chairperson or the Academic Dean of the College/School.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is reprehensible and will not be tolerated by the University. It subverts the mission of the
University and threatens the careers, educational experience, and well being of students, faculty, and staff. The
University will not tolerate behavior between or among members of the University community which creates an
unacceptable working environment.
Herpetology
Spring 2015
DRAFT Lecture Schedule
Week
Topics
Jan 27
Jan 29
1- Anatomy of Amphibians and Reptiles
2- Evolution of Ancient and Modern Amphibians & Reptiles
Feb 3
Feb 5
3- Amphibian Diversity: Caecilians
4- Water balance and gas exchange
Feb 10
Feb 12
5- Amphibian Diversity: Salamanders
6- Thermoregulation and energetics
Feb 17
Feb 19
EXAM
7- Reproduction
Feb 24
Feb 26
8- Amphibian Diversity: Frogs
9- Mating Systems
Mar 3
Mar 5
10- Tadpoles
11- Alternative Mating Tactics
Mar 10
Mar 12
12- Communication Amphibians
Exam
Mar 17/19
No Class - Spring Break
Mar 24
Mar 26
13- Reptile Diversity: Turtles
14- Life Histories
Mar 31
Apr 2
15- Reptile Diversity: Crocodiles
16- Foraging
Apr 7
Apr 9
17- Reptile Diversity: Lizards
18- Defense and Escape
April 14
April 16
Exam
19- Reptile Diversity: Snakes
Apr 21
Apr 23
20- Communication Reptiles
21- Social Behavior
Apr 28
Apr 30
22- Sampling Techniques
23- Conservation Biology of Amphibians & Reptiles
May 5
May 7
24- TBD
Exam
May 11
FINAL EXAM 12:30-2:30pm
** If you need special accommodations in order to meet any of the requirements of this course, please contact
Dr. Hoebel as soon as possible. **
Herpetology
Spring 2015
Guidelines for Grad Student Literature Review (see syllabus for due date):
This assignment can be on any topic as long as it involves amphibians or reptiles. The idea is to write a review
paper that has the potential to be published either in a Scientific Journal, or in a Journal that is more outreachoriented. Scientific validity has to be strict in both, but the writing style would be different depending on the
intended audience. Please discuss ideas of potential topics with me within the first 2 weeks of the semester.
Requirements:
Max 3000 words
Arial 10pt
single spaced
Min 20 citations