Laboratories stress observation of plants in their natural habitats. An introduction to the identification and biology of both wild and domesticated trees and shrubs. Lecture topics include a survey of the forests of North America, wood structure, and the ecology of trees and shrubs. Students develop the skills necessary to identify wild and cultivated plants and learn the distinguishing features of virtually all native and commonly cultivated species in New York State. Topics include plant community ecology, life history and demography of plants, the environment of plants, and plants and the ecosystem.
Laboratory features local field trips and data gathering in the field and laboratory.
Laboratories include field trips and experimental work demonstrating competition, predation, and statistical analysis of data. Lecture and laboratory in bird anatomy, territoriality, migration, and song. Saturday morning trips and bird banding. Course level determined by the intended degree of independence and originality of the student's work, and the extent of the student's background courses. Course may be repeated.