MSCI 415 - Marine Mammals

4 credit hours
Long ago many terrestrial mammals evolved adaptations allowing them to move toward either a full or partial marine existence. These included cetaceans (toothed and baleen whales), pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and walrus), sirenians (dugongs and manatees), sea otters, and the polar bear. In this course students will learn about the evolution, classification, anatomy, physiology, and behavior of these species, in addition to conservation/management issues affecting them and current methods used to research them. Students may not take this course for credit after completing MSCI 405. Prerequisite(s): BIO 105 or 107, and 106.