University of South Dakota
Ichthyology (ZOOL 469/669) 3 Credits
Dr. Bruce A. Barton
** SYNOPSIS **
Objective
:
To provide students an opportunity to learn about the biology, identification, and
classification of fishes.
Rationale for Course
:
Students planning to pursue a career in fisheries science need to have a solid background
in all aspects of the biology of fishes. Non fisheries biology students also need
to have the opportunity to complete their curricula with courses that specialize
in the major taxonomic groups of the animal kingdom, including fish.
Course Content
:
This course is designed to introduce students to the subject of ichthyology and is
presented in two parts running concurrently. General and functional fish biology
is presented in formal lecture periods while identification and systematics, including
lectures, are the focus of laboratory periods. Subject matter of the course includes:
- Identification of fishes
- Taxonomy and systematics
- Genetics and speciation
- Zoogeography and distribution
- External form and structure
- Skeletal and muscular system
- Swimming and locomotion
- Circulatory system and blood
- Respiration and gas exchange
- Endocrine system and hormone function
- Nervous system and sensory mechanisms
- Osmotic/ionic regulation and acid base balance
- Buoyancy regulation
- Feeding, digestion, and nutrition
- Bioenergetics and growth
- Reproduction, egg/larval development, and metamorphosis
- Behavior
- Features of populations and communities
- Habitat requirements and zonation of habitats
