How Do Animals Work?

How do animals work? Why do different animals work in different ways? The blue whale in the Pacific, the tapeworm lodged in the gut of a fox, and the flour beetle in your cupboard all must eat and grow and reproduce yet they differ enormously in size, longevity and environment. The particular ways in which each of these animals has solved these problems are different yet there are also underlying similarities in the mechanics of their solutions. Evolutionary theory makes the diversity understandable and cell physiology reveals the unity of function. In this course, evolutionary theory and cell physiology converge as we examine whole animal form and function. We will have the happy opportunity to study the remarkable diversity of animals on this planet. We will examine the array of strategies (adaptations) which animals possess that enables them to survive and reproduce in an often unpredictable world. The central question that we will consider is how do animals maintain their organization in the face of environmental perturbations.

Syllabus

Fall 2016
Tues., Fri. 8:10 am - 10:00 am
Tues lab 2:10 pm - 5:00 pm

Betsy Sherman
Dickinson 108

Course Requirements

Readings will be taken from the literature and from reliable scientific sites on the internet. Several introductory biology texts are on reserve in the library and I can recommend texts for those students who want a text for reference.

Students are expected to come to class prepared, having read the assignment carefully so that they can participate in discussions. Attendance is required. There is no particular number of classes that you are permitted to miss. If I feel that your commitment to the work is insufficient, you will be asked to leave. Do not be late for class as it disrupts all of us. Students will write two or three essay problem sets. From time to time, I may give a brief quiz on the assigned reading at the beginning of a class. Students will be permitted to use their written notes for these quizzes (e.g. not on computer, not a copy of the assigned reading). Late papers will not be accepted. All of the assigned work must be completed in order to pass this course. If you must miss a class it is your responsibility to get the assignment and come to the next class prepared. Please do not email me or leave phone messages for trivial matters (e.g. is it ok for me to be late...can you put the assignment in my box...etc.). Please check my office hours (posted outside my office, Dickinson 108) or make an appointment with me at the end of class.

 

THIS WEBSITE IS UPDATED FREQUENTLY (so be sure to check it frequently)

Topics

The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online

Evolution: mechanisms, speciation, isolating mechanisms, adaptation

 

Diversity of animals; taxonomy and evolutionary relationships

E.O. Wilson on conservation

 

Behavior

 

Scale 

  • The size of things