ENTOM 2120 - Insect Biology

(OPHLS-AG)

Fall. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite or corequisite: one semester of college biology or permission of instructor. Lab fee: $25.

C. Gilbert (odd years); J. Sanderson (even years).

Introduces the science of entomology, focusing on the systematics, anatomy, physiology, basic and applied ecology, and natural history of insects. Early fall laboratories include field trips to collect and study insects in the natural environment. A personal collection emphasizing ecological, behavioral, and taxonomic categories is a requirement of the laboratory.

Outcome 1: To be able to categorize insects based on basic ecological, behavioral, morphological, physiological, or developmental attributes.

Outcome 2: Demonstrate phylogenetic “tree thinking.”

Outcome 3: To be able to name various structures in some insect and compare them with homologous structures in other insects.

Outcome 4: To be able to present an insect collection of appropriately preserved specimens using a variety of collecting techniques.

Outcome 5: To be able to evaluate morphological characters and use a dichotomous key.

Outcome 6: 1. Conduct an ecological sampling field exercise and write a team report
2. Identify insects in lab and collegially compare identifications with other lab members.

Outcome 7: Sketch anatomical features in personal dissection and lab demonstrations.