ESC 4514 - Reptile Ecology and Conservation

(3) Credit Hours

To understand the biological diversity, ecology, evolution, and cultural and environmental value of reptiles and to introduce the types and sources of information that must be known should one include reptile conservation as professional career. Students who take this course should become more informed biologically and culturally about reptiles than someone (fellow students, family, friends, politicians) who has not taken the course, and be prepared to explain the global and regional value and importance of reptiles. In this course we will examine the conservation related aspects of reptiles and their habitats. These aspects include the patterns of biological diversity, ecology, life history, law, policy, trade, and the over-arching methods used to measure, and monitor reptile biodiversity will be reoccurring themes.Fall semester odd years.Lecture 3 hours.Prerequisites: BIOL 3060 and BIOL 3070 or department head approval.May be registered as BIOL 4514. Credit not allowed in both BIOL 4514 and ESC 4514.