Syllabus for

BIO214 General Zoology

Mission: Rich Mountain Community College exists to provide all citizens of the Ouachita Mountain Region with exemplary educational and enrichment opportunities to improve the quality of life and standard of living. It is in the spirit of this mission that this course is presented by the Division of Mathematics and Science.

Course Description: A study of animal biology involving aspects of taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, phylogeny, and natural history of the major vertebrate and invertebrate groups.

Rationale for the course: In today's world an educated person must have a fair knowledge and an appreciative understanding of the environment that surrounds us and of the role played by humans in modifying that environment. By studying a body of scientific information, scientific concepts, and scientific methods, the student of zoology develops not only a deeper appreciation for earth's fauna, but also gains a heightened awareness of the role played by animals in maintaining the fabric of life.

Instructor: James H. Lynn

B.S., University of the Ozarks--1964

M.S.E., Henderson State University--1966

M.S., University of Arkansas--1975

Currently in 44th year of teaching, the last 25 of those years at RMCC

Office: Room 207 Spencer Hall

Phone: 479-394-7622-ext 1336

Email: jlynn@rmcc.edu

Required Textbook: Hickman, Cleveland P., et. al. Integrated Principles of Zoology. Thirteenth edition. Boston: McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2006.

Laboratory Manual: Lytle, Charles F. and John R. Meyer. General Zoology: Laboratory Guide. Fourteenth edition. Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2005.

Learning Goals: Upon successful completion of BIO214 General Zoology, the student should be able to do the following:

Describe the relationship that exists between zoology and the other biological sciences.

Identify the major zoological disciplines and describe the particular aspect of zoology with which each is concerned.

Discuss the history of man's thinking concerning organic evolution. Such discussion should include:

‘ Pre-Darwinian concepts

‘ Darwinism--the theory of natural selection

‘ Neo-Darwinism--the modern synthesis.

‘ Give evidence from the realms of biogeography, paleontology, comparative anatomy, comparative embryology, and molecular genetics to support the theory of evolution.

Define species and describe the various processes of speciation.

Correlate the history of man's efforts at classification with modern attempts toward development of a phylogenetic scheme. Included should be information regarding:

‘ The binomial system of Linnaeus

‘ Taxons

‘ 2-,3-,4-, and 5-kingdom approaches

‘ The phylogenetic tree

‘ Major animal groups.

‘ Cladistics

Describe the basic characteristics of phylogeny, taxonomy, form, function, and natural history associated with the various invertebrate and vertebrate groups.

Class Procedures: Classroom presentation is basically of the lecture-demonstration type. Additionally, liberal use is made of various types of audiovisual presentations, scientific models, representative specimens, supplemental handouts, and special projects. The laboratory consists of a series of exercises designed to reinforce some of the principles learned in class. These exercises involve microscopic investigation of prepared slides and living material, animal dissection, and field studies.

Course Requirements: Normally five or six lecture examinations are given at convenient intervals throughout the semester. A comprehensive final laboratory examination is also given.

Grading and Evaluation: The final grade assignment will be based upon 3/4 from lecture and 1/4 from laboratory. Grades are assigned on the basis of a standard percentage scale:

90 - 100 = A

80 - 89 = B

65 - 79 = C

50 - 64 = D

0 - 49 = F

Attendance Requirements: It is my belief that you cannot derive the maximum benefit from this course without being present for all lectures and laboratories. Therefore, it is expected that you will be both regular and punctual in your attendance. To ensure this, roll will be taken at the beginning of each class and laboratory session. As a student, you are responsible for all material presented during lecture, whether present for the class or not. You are also responsible for all assigned readings, both within the text or elsewhere. Assignments are to be completed in a timely fashion, therefore all make-up work must be completed within 5 calendar days of your return following an absence. Missed laboratory sessions will count as 1 absence and normally cannot be made up. For further information, see “Attendance/Retention Policy” on pages 64-65 of the 2007- 2008 RMCC Catalog. When you are officially enrolled in this course, I, as your instructor, will ultimately be charged with assigning you a final course grade. Therefore, if for any reason you find that you must drop the class, please do not just quit attending. I urge you to go to the Office of the Registrar (Abernathy 301) and go through the official drop procedure. Failure to do so will result in your receiving a final grade of “F” in the course. Official withdrawal is noted by a “W” on your transcript.

Make-up Exam Policy: A student who misses a scheduled examination because of an officially sanctioned college activity will be permitted to make up the test without penalty. Others may also make up missed exams, but will be penalized 20% for each occurrence. Any deviation from this policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Student Conduct: Behavior that is disruptive to an orderly educational process will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from the class. Readmission will be at the discretion of your instructor. Instances of academic dishonesty, i.e., “cheating,” will be dealt with in accordance with those policies outlined in the current RMCC Student Handbook.

Resources, References, and Supplies:

Among many helpful references found in the St. John Library, you will find:

REF Pennak, Robert W. Fresh-Water Invertebrates of the United States: Protozoa to Mollusca. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1989.

REF Scott, James A. The Butterflies of North America: A Natural History and

595.78S Field Guide. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press, 1986.

REF Spencer, Lori A. Arkansas Butterflies and Moths. Little Rock: Ozark

ARK Society Foundation, 2006.

595.78

09767S

REF Robison, Henry W. and Thomas M. Buchanan. Fishes of Arkansas.

ARK Fayetteville, Arkansas: The University of Arkansas Press, 1988.

597.0929767R

REF Trauth, Stanley E., Henry W. Robison, and Michael V. Plummer. The

ARK Amphibians and Reptiles of Arkansas. Fayetteville: The University of

597.9T Arkansas Press, 2004.

ARK James, Douglas A. and Joseph C. Neal. Arkansas Birds: Their Distribution

598.2J and Abundance. Fayetteville: The University of Arkansas Press, 1986.

REF Sealander, John A. and Gary A. Heidt. Arkansas Mammals: Their Natural

ARK History, Classification, and Distribution. Fayetteville: The University of

599.09T Arkansas Press, 1990.

REF Hall, Raymond E. The Mammals of North America. 2 vols. New York:

599H John Wiley & Sons, 1981.

REF Robison, Henry W. and Robert T. Allen. Only in Arkansas: A Study of the

ARK Endemic Plants and Animals of the State. Fayetteville: The University of

574.9767R Arkansas Press, 1995

Additional Information: Food and drinks are not permitted in this class. Also, please make sure that your cell phone is turned off (or to a non-sound mode) during the class session.

ADA Statement: It is the policy of RMCC to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to state and federal law. Any student requiring special accommodations, for example in seating, placement, examinations, or access to information on the web, should contact the Vice President for Student Affairs Office located in the Abernathy Building, Room 301 (phone: 394-7622-ext. 1400).

Course Outline:

I. Introduction

A. Relationship between the major sciences

B. Major zoological subdivisions

C. Biological universals, .., general principles about life

II. Organic Evolution

A. Theories on the origin of life

B. Theories of evolution

1. Lamarckism and the theory of acquired characters

2. Darwinism and the theory of natural selection

3. Neo-Darwinism

C. Evidence for organic evolution

1. From comparative morphology

2. From comparative physiology

3. From comparative embryology

4. From paleontology

5. From biogeography

6. From molecular biology

D. Species and speciation

III. Classification and Nomenclature

A. The Linnaean scheme

B. Taxonomic criteria

C. Rules governing zoological nomenclature

D. The phylogenetic tree

IV. The Diversity of Animal Life

A. Protozoans, the unicellular protists

B. The lowest metazoans

1. Phylum Mesozoa

2. Phylum Placozoa

3. Phylum Porifera

C. The radiate animals

1. Phylum Cnidaria (Coelenterata)

2. Phylum Ctenophora

D. The protostomes

1. The acoelomate animals

a. Phylum Platyhelminthes

b. Phylum Gnathostomulida

c. Phylum Nemertinea

2. The pseudocoelomate animals

a. Phylum Entoprocta

b. Phylum Rotifera

c. Phylum Gastrotricha

d. Phylum Kinorhyncha

e. Phylum Nematoda

f. Phylum Nematomorpha

g. Phylum Acanthocephala

3. The eucoelomate animals

a. The lophophores

1)Phylum Bryozoa

2)Phylum Phoronida

3)Phylum Brachiopoda

b. The lesser protostomes

1)Phylum Sipuncula

2)Phylum Echiura

3)Phylum Pogonophora

4)Phylum Priapulida

5)Pentastomida

6)Phylum Tardigrada

7)Phylum Onychophora

c. The “Big Three”

1)Phylum Mollusca—the molluscs

2)Phylum Annelida—the segmented roundworms

3)Phylum Arthropoda—joint-legged animals

E. The deuterostomes

1. The spiny-skinned animals

a. Phylum Echinodermata

2. The lesser deuterostomes

a. Phylum Chaetognatha

b. Phylum Hemichordata

3. The chordates

a. Phylum Chordata

1)Subphylum Urochordata

2)Subphylum Cephalochordata

3)Subphylum Vertebrata

a) Class Cyclostomata

b) Class Chondrichthyes

c) Class Osteichthyes

d) Class Amphibia

e) Class Reptilia