The three classes commonly called fishes include more species of vertebrates than all other classes combined. Fishes also have a higher rate of endangerment than all other classes of vertebrates, due to human use of aquatic resources. Ecology of Fishes is a course for juniors and seniors that focuses on the dramatic interaction between fishes and their habitats. The course covers: physiological, behavioral, and numerical responses of fishes to biotic and abiotic factors; the relationship between environmental factors and fish energetics, growth, survival, behavior, and reproduction; adaptations of fish for survival under different environmental constraints in major habitat types; and the role of humans in fishery declines and fish conservation. The course can be taken as a stand-alone lecture for 3 credit hours (section 003) or as a lecture and lab for 4 credit hours (section 001). The lab uses field trips and lab experiments to elucidate the relationships between fishes and their habitats. At least five of the lab sections are typically completed on local lakes and streams.

Class Format:

All class meetings will be taught synchronously and In-Person for the Winter 2022 term.