Mammals of the Pacific Northwest Biology 140

BIOL 140

Explanation of Assignments

1)      Field Log—50  Points: (5 points for check one; 15 for check two and 30 when you turn the Field Log in)

You will be required to keep a Field Log of all wild Northwest mammal species that you encounter during the quarter.  Since wild mammals are often elusive, it will take some extra effort on your part to actively seek some species out.  You will need to go on a few field trips of your own (i.e. short hikes and drives) to view mammals.  I will give you some suggestions throughout the quarter but you will need to take the initiative on your own too.  I suggest you carry your Field Guide (class text) and a pair of binoculars in your car with you outside of class time.  Although it can be disheartening, dead animals can give us good looks at native fauna.  You may record road kill or cat prey but captive mammals in zoos or aquariums don’t count.  You may also count signs of mammals such as droppings, tracks, nests, burrows, etc. as long as you can identify what mammal it belongs to with reasonable accuracy.  Keep in mind that many wild mammals struggle to survive and to avoid the stress of being seen by potential predators like humans.  Please don’t disturb, chase or attempt to catch or touch any mammal that you encounter whether it is dead or alive.  This is an “observation only” exercise.  I love to see the animals you have been fortunate enough to observe so if it is possible and safe, take a picture of your observations.

I will give preliminary grades for your Field Logs.  The first Field Log check is in week two and is worth 5 points.  The second check is in week 5 and is worth 15 points.  The points for check two will be based on the entries you’ve made after the first check.  The final 30 points will be given when you hand in the Field Log at the last class period before finals week. 

Your field log must include the following information for each mammal encountered:

·         The log should not be typed—it’s a working document.

·         Latin name and common name of mammal (and page from our book)

·         Date and time seen.

·         Location (be specific; include city, county, in a house, on a trail etc.)

·         A picture is great (but not required)

·         Weather conditions

·         Behavior of the mammal

·         Habitat description (brushy, deep forest, etc)

·         Discuss some aspect of the habitat.  Below are two possible discussion topics:

·         Share your reasoned opinion about this animal’s threats to survival.  For example, suppose you see a mouse in your barn.  You may write about a paragraph (it could be longer) describing his chance of eating something contaminated or the threat of a house cat.  I want you to view survival from the perspective of the mouse and comment on any threats with special attention to non-natural or anthropogenic threats. 

·         Share your reasoned opinion about this animal’s use of the habitat.  Might the animal be searching for food; seeking refuge; resting; en route somewhere, etc.  This may be part of your behavior notes.

·         NOTE: This section will be difficult early in the quarter (and I will excuse that) and you will become more proficient at assessing healthy habitat as the quarter goes on.

·         Identification notes: How did you identify it; what clues led you to decide which mammal it was?

Grading the Field Log: Your Field Log points are a function of the quality of entries and the quantity.  Quality is slightly more valuable than quantity but both are important.  High quality work can offset slightly fewer sightings than others in class and can still be A level work.  Conversely, many sightings but poor log entries can result in B or C work.  The two Field Log checks are designed to demonstrate to you what I expect and to give you incentive to be active in collecting sightings early in the term.  [Note: Your Field Log will be a messy affair written in your car, in the rain and in the woods.  That is absolutely fine].  Below is a guide that shows what I consider as I grade your Field Logs:

2)      Species List—10 points

You will submit a typed list of all species encountered during the quarter.  This list is to be taken from your field log.  Mammals should be listed in the order in which they were seen; the first mammal in your field log should also be the first on your species list.  If you have more than one sighting of a species in your field log, you will only write that species once on your species list.  The list should have the species names written in proper scientific format and order.  The Species List (and the related Field Log) is due at the last class period before finals week.  The species List may look something like this:

      1. Mephitis   mephitis

      2. Odocoileus  hemionus

      3. Microtus  montanus

      4. Etcetera

3)      Presentation—20 points

Students will give a three minute presentation about some feature (behavior, natural history, physiology, superlative attribute or eccentricity) of a Northwest mammal of your choosing.  I want you to find some aspect of the animal that intrigued or fascinated you. The presentation is only three minutes so you will only be able to share one nugget of information.  My hope is that you search through a few peer review journals (a backbone of the scientific process) and that you discover some of the marvel of the animal kingdom.  The requirements of this project are:

·         Your information must be from a peer review journal.  You will copy that journal article, highlight the parts that your presentation is based on and turn it in to me the class before you are scheduled to give your presentation.  If you are unsure of whether your article is from an acceptable source, show it to me early enough that you have time to find another article if yours is not acceptable.

·         Your goal is to find something fascinating about your animal and share it with the class.  I do not want a report on the contents of your article; I want something interesting that you happened to have found in that article.

·         I will post a sign up list in the class.  Only three students may present on the same animal; when three students have signed up for a particular Northwest mammal, that mammal is closed to other presentations.

·         Your presentation to the class will be only three minutes.  Use notes and pictures if possible but don’t use your peer reviewed article during your presentation.

Grading Your Presentation: Eight points are for getting a peer reviewed article.  The remaining 12 are for your in-class presentation:

4)      Latin Vocabulary Test—15 points

During the quarter, I will give you Latin word roots (for example, e.g. is an abbreviation of the Latin words exempli gratia which mean for example).  I will give a Latin vocabulary test on the same day I give the final exam.

5)      Presentation notes—15 points

After each presentation, I’ll ask students to write a brief note in their notes about something you felt was interesting about the presentation.  My hope is that the note will help you to remember and appreciate something about the animal discussed.  If you are in class for all presentations, you will receive full 15 points for the notes you recorded.  Points will be awarded proportional to the presentations that you attend.  Presentations will begin at the start of class.  If you arrive after the first speaker has begun speaking, you will not receive presentation notes points.

6)      Three Additional Assignments—25 points each (75 total)

See the syllabus schedule for due dates.  You may pick any three of the assignments you wish.  The assignment list varies periodically so it is not included here.  Mr. Clark will provide you with an assignment list in the second week of class.