Biometrics Overview & Introduction

Tropical Field Biology Overview

1This study tour will introduce you to aspects of tropical field biology in Belize.You will become familiar with the flora and fauna of Belize and will discover how hydrology, geography, history and culture in Belize have shaped these tropical ecosystems.You will visit ancient Mayan ruins, explore cave systems, spend three days canoeing the Sibun river, and explore coral reefs.

Course Overview

21.Characterize the tropical biology in the Belize region of Central America.2.Compare and contrast the ecology of the flora and fauna in this region to the ecology in their home region.3.Evaluate how agriculture, forestry, and gravel extraction affect tropical ecosystems4.Develop an appreciation for the Mayan culture and ruins.Objectives

3One book is required for the course1.) Kricher, J. 1999. A Neotropical Companion. Princeton University: Princeton, NJ. ISBN: 978-0691009742.(required)One book is recommended for the courseBeletsky, L. 2004. Travellers' Wildlife Guides Belize & Northern Guatemala. Interlink: Toronto. ISBN: 978-1566565684. (recommended)Books

4A passport is requiredA digital camera is recommendedA pair of binoculars is recommendedA field notebook is requiredOther materials

5Student presentation (UCO) 50 ptsStudent presentation (Belize) 50 ptsTest (UCO) 100 ptsField notebook (Belize) 50 ptsAttendance & participation (UCO/Belize) 50 ptsTotal 300 pts

Grad students only Independent project 100 ptsGrading

6Give 20 minute PowerPoint presentation12-15 minutes will be over the assigned topic5 8 minutes will be over identification of assigned organismsThis presentation will be posted on the course websiteThings to coverFirst 12-15 minutes of presentation should cover location, history, and particularly natural historyNatural history includes climate, geology, dominant flora & fauna, conservation issues, etc.Feel free to contact places directly to get more informationFinal 5-8 minutes should cover identification of assigned organismsStudent Presentation (UCO)

Gartered Trogon (Trogon caligatus)

Male: Dark violet head and throat, yellow eyering, yellow belly, black and white stripes on underside of tailFemale: Gray head and throat, white eyering, yellow belly, black and white stripes on underside of tailVoice: Rapid, persistent, hollow hooting, kyow-kyow-kyow8Give 15-20 minute presentation in eveningNo PowerPoint but you can refer to your notes if necessaryYoull also pass out a handout summarizing the key parts of your presentationThere will be a list of suggested topics you can choose from. You can also suggest your own topicIdeally, you want to chose something that ties in with the place that we are visiting.Student Presentation (Belize)

The test will be at the end of class on 1 May 2013Grade breakdownIdentification of organisms (30 pts)Organisms will be displayed as a timed PowerPointSix pts will be identification of bird song with no visualsBird songs are Materials page of the course websiteMultiple choice (40 pts)Bring scantron ABF A2/50Short answer (30 pts)Multiple choice and short answer will cover topics from readings, as well as from presentations in class (including student presentations)Test

A field notebook should generally includeA narrative of daily observations, including locality, weather, and species listsRunning notes on individual observations of selected speciesCatalogue of captures and collectionsIt is not a diary, so avoid fantasy, reverie, notes on the hot cabana boy, etc.Should be small enough that it can fit in your pocket and taken into the field. Waterproof is a good idea tooSee handout for more details Due by plane trip back to USField Notebook

11Overview of courseVerify full name / passport infoStudent conduct (video)Overview of Belize (Dr. Ovrebo)Schedule - Today

Enroll in courseThe CRN is 35034 (BIO 4970) or 35035 (BIO 5970).5 April

Read CH 1 & 2 and the Appendix before class

5:30 6:00: Tropical Climates and Ecosystems (Butler)6:00 6:30: Rainforest Structure and Diversity (Ovrebo)6:40 7:00: Monkey Bay (Hucks)7:00 7:20: Belize Zoo (Bryson)10 April

Read CH 8 & 10 before class

5:30 6:00: Rivers through Rainforest (Ovrebo)6:00 6:30: Savannas and Dry Forests (Ovrebo)6:40 7:00: Xunantunich and the Mayans (Gilbert)7:00 7:20: Mountain Pine Ridge (Ramsey)7:20 7:40: Runaway Creek (Cowo)17 April

Read CH 11 & 12 before class

5:30 6:00: Coastal Ecosystems (Butler)6:00 6:30: Neotropical Birds (Butler)6:40 - 7:00: Mangroves & Seagrass (Osburn)7::00 7:20: Belize Barrier Reef (Schomber)7:20 7:40: Tobacco Caye (Eisemann)24 April

Read CH 13 & 14 before class

Deposit final $1300 for the trip.5:30 5:50: Deforestation and Conservation (Ovrebo)5:50 6:10: Community Baboon Sanctuary (Quinnett)6:10 6:30: Sibun River (Hartgers)6:30 7:20: Test1 May

WebsiteGartered Trogon 1 songPeter BoesmanBirds of Costa Rica - MP3 sound collection2011Nature recordings48038.67eng - Trogon caligatus (10/4/2003 13:00h, Campamento Ro Lacandon, Chiapas, Mexico, 16.43N,91.05W) Peter Boesmaneng - iTunPGAP0eng - iTunNORM 00000232 00000000 00004B5C 00000000 0000A61F 00000000 00004771 00000000 0000A61F 00000000eng - iTunSMPB 00000000 00000210 00000A30 0000000000204740 00000000 0008C20A 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000