EFB 485 HERPETOLOGY SPRING 2017
Lectures: James P. Gibbs
Illick 404, [email protected]
Office hours: Thurs 8-10 AM
Laboratories: Harrison Goldspiel
([email protected], office 305 Illick: office
hours TBA) and Stacy Furgal
([email protected], office and office
hours TBA).
Schedule: Lectures: MW 11:40 am-12:35 pm Baker 148; Laboratories: Th 12:30 pm3:20 pm, Th 3:30 pm-6:20 pm, or F 12:45 pm-3:35 pm Illick 238
Objectives and Scope: This course examines the biology of amphibians and reptiles, two
very different classes of vertebrates linked by their ectothermic nature. Topics addressed
include physiology, behavior, reproductive biology, population biology, community
ecology, and conservation. Lectures emphasize the unique adaptations that amphibians
and reptiles have evolved, as well as approaches that have been used to study these
creatures. Emphasis in the laboratory is on identification of New York State species,
along with salient aspects of their natural history, and on significant Families of the
world’s herpetofauna. Opportunity for an independent investigation on a topic of personal
interest and creation of an original collection of “herps” vouchered with digital images is
provided in the laboratory component, as well as for development of a conservation plan
for a local park to integrate your understanding of herpetology.
Texts: Herpetology (Fourth Edition) by H. Pough et al. 2016. Sinauer Assoc., Inc (for
lecture) and The Amphibians and Reptiles of New York State by J. P. Gibbs, A. R.
Breisch, P. K. Ducey, G. Johnson, J. Behler & R. Bothner. 2007. Oxford University
Press. (for lab)
Grading scheme:
3 hour exams x 150 points each
4 ID quizzes x 25 points each
1 laboratory practical
Your “digital herp collection” shared on iNaturalist
Barry Park conservation plan
Individual presentation w/expanded abstract and literature
450 points
100 points
150 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
Total: 1000 points
EFB 485 HERPETOLOGY SPRING 2017
Examinations, quizzes and lab practical: Failing to take a scheduled examination, quiz
or lab practical will result in a score of 0 unless replaced by a make-up exam in a timely
fashion. ‘Make-ups’ are given at the discretion of the instructor for cases in which there is
a documented reason for issues beyond your reasonable control:
- Illness – you must have a physician note indicating that you were not in a physical
condition to take the exam at the scheduled time.
- Death or grave illness in your immediate family.
- Significant scheduling conflicts such as graduate school interviews, or athletic
participation in NCAA sporting events.
You must let us know before the exam, quiz or practical is scheduled that you cannot
attend. No exceptions!
Religious holy days: Students who miss coursework due to the observance of a religious
holy day will be given the opportunity to complete the work missed within a reasonable
time after the absence, provided that the instructor is notified in advance (notify the
course instructor at least 2 weeks prior to the class or an exam that will be missed).
Scholastic dishonesty: Students must act with integrity in accordance to ESF’s Code of
Academic Integrity.
Common courtesy: Turn cell phones off, put on silent mode, or whatever it takes to keep
them quiet. No texting, emailing, etc. during lecture or lab. Please be on time.
Disability Services: SUNY-ESF works with the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at
Syracuse University, who is responsible for coordinating disability-related
accommodations. Students can contact ODS at 804 University Avenue-Room 309, 315443-4498 to schedule an appointment and discuss their needs and the process for
requesting accommodations. Students may also contact the ESF Office of Student
Affairs, 110 Bray Hall, 315-470-6660 for assistance with the process. To learn more
about ODS, visit http://disabilityservices.syr.edu. Authorized accommodation forms must
be in the instructor's possession one week prior to any anticipated accommodation. Since
accommodations may require early planning and generally are not provided retroactively,
please contact ODS as soon as possible
Diversity and Inclusion: SUNY-ESF values diversity and inclusion; we are committed
to a climate of mutual respect and full participation. Our goal is to create learning
environments that are useable, equitable, inclusive and welcoming. If there are aspects of
the instruction or design of this course that result in barriers to your inclusion or accurate
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EFB 485 HERPETOLOGY SPRING 2017
assessment or achievement, we invite any student to meet with us to discuss additional
strategies beyond accommodations that may be helpful to your success.
Lecture and laboratory notes: These along with links to other items of interest are
available at: http://www.esf.edu/efb/gibbs/efb485
Lecture Schedule
Chapters refer to Pough et al. 2016 unless otherwise noted
 Class introduction and overview of herpetology (Chapter 1)
 Origins of amphibians and reptiles (Chapter 2)
 Key attributes of amphibians and reptiles (Chapters 3 and 4 but only material that
pertains to Class and Order/Suborder as subsequent Family-related material
pertains only to those selected Families covered in Lab)
 Biogeography (Chapter 5)
 Temperature and water relations (Chapter 6)
 Energetics and performance (Chapter 7)
Exam 1 – late Feb (TBD within 1.5 weeks of exam)
 Reproduction: life history, mating systems and sexual selection (Chapters 8, 9, 14)
 Body support and locomotion (Chapter 10)
 Feeding and Defense (Chapter 11 and 15)
 Movements and orientation (Chapter 12)
Exam 2 – about early April (TBD within 1.5 weeks of exam)
 Communication (Chapter 13)
 Population and community ecology (Chapter 16)
 Conservation biology (Chapter 17, Gibbs et al. Chapters 8, 9 & 11)
Exam 3 TBA (during finals week)
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EFB 485 HERPETOLOGY SPRING 2017
Laboratory Schedule
 Readings: Selected material from Pough et al. Chapters 3, 4, & 5 but only as it
relates to Families covered in lab, as well as information gleaned from species
accounts in the Gibbs et al. field guide Chapters 4-7.
Week 1 (1/19-20): NO LAB (but “set the stage” by reading Gibbs et al. chapters 1, 2 &
13).
Week 2 (1/26-27): Salamanders and caecilians: taxonomy and natural history. Gibbs et
al. chapter 4
Week 3 (2/2-3): Frogs and toads: taxonomy and natural history Gibbs et al. chapter 5
(Quiz #1 – salamanders & caecilians).
Week 4 (2/9-10): Turtles: taxonomy and natural history Gibbs et al. chapter 6 (Quiz #2
– frogs & toads).
Week 5 (2/16-17): Snakes: taxonomy and natural history Gibbs et al. chapter 7 (Quiz #3
– turtles).
Week 6 (2/23-24): Lizards, crocodilians, Sphenodon: taxonomy and natural history
Gibbs et al. chapter 7 (Quiz #4 – snakes).
Week 7 (3/2-3): Laboratory practical.
Week 8 (3/9-10):
 Topic selection for Abstract and Annotated Biobliography: Typed copy of
proposed topic idea and three potential references (15 points of total)
 Overview: Class-wide iNaturalist project (incorporates your personal “digital
herps collection”
Week 9 (3/16-17): Spring break
[Optional: at this time of the semester we will regularly post news about amphibian mass
migrations at Labrador Hollow which will happen unpredictably 3-4 times around
now and to which you are welcome to attend]
Week 10 (3/23-24): Field trip to Barry Park in preparation to develop a conservation
plan. (Read Gibbs et al. chapter 10.) Meet at blue Parks Department building at
corner of Westcott & Broad Streets 20 minutes after lab start time.
Week 11 (3/30-31): Conservation plan consultations.
Week 12 (4/6-7):
 All Abstracts and Annotated Bibliographies due (50 points of total)
 Individual presentations (35 points of total)
Week 13 (4/13-14): Individual presentations, continued
Week 14 (4/20-21): Class field trip – Heiberg Forest – herping, vernal pools, methods,
habitats, etc. All buses leave at class start time from Stadium Place!
Week 15 (4/27-28): Class-wide iNaturalist class-wide project contribution and class
review of collective effort. Barry Park conservation plan due
Week 16 (5/4-5): NO LAB – end of semester / partial week.
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