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Dec 26, 2024
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BIO 251 - Biology of the Galápagos Islands
Credits: 3
3 Skills Lab Hours
Description
This course is a directed exploration of the natural history and biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands. Students retrace the famous journey of Charles Darwin, and study the unique indigenous wildlife of the islands, as well as the evolutionary and biogeographic forces that shaped this extraordinary ecosystem. The core of the course consists of a nine-day visit to the Galápagos Islands, during which students explore a variety of terrestrial and marine habitats to observe animals and plants in the wild, as well as visiting conservation facilities and evolutionary research stations. Some preparatory coursework takes place before the trip itself. A separate travel fee is paid to the educational tour company organizing the logistics for the trip, and students must provide their own passports and travel insurance. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:
- Identify the unique animals and plants of the Galápagos Islands.
- Evaluate the critical ecological significance of the islands and similar “living laboratories”.
- Describe the relationship between geography and evolution.
- Practice techniques for direct observation of animal behavior in the wild, including keeping a written notebook of observations.
- Describe the history of the Galápagos Islands and their role in Charles Darwin’s research.
- Describe the evidence for mechanisms of evolution and adaptation to specific environments.
- Examine the effects of human activity on isolated ecosystems and the importance of conservation.
Listed Topics
- Biogeography
- Ecology
- Environmental biology
- Evolution
- History of science
- Field study
- Zoology
Reference Materials
Directed readings on topics related to the ecology and natural history of the Galápagos Islands, including The Voyage of the Beagle by Charles Darwin, The Beak of the Finch by Jonathan Weiner and articles on specific organisms and habitats studied.
Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals: - Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning
Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 10/18/2021
Last Reviewed: 3/23/2023
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