Animal Ecology (A Ecl)
Bruce W. Menzel, Chair of Department
University Professors: Atchison
Professors: Best, Clark, Dinsmore, Downing, Menzel, Summerfelt
Professors (Collaborator, Emeritus): Klaas
Distinguished Professors (Emeritus): Carlander
Professors (Emeritus): M. Bachmann, R. Bachmann, Franklin, Moorman
Associate Professors: Danielson, Debinski, Morris
Assistant Professors: Pease
Assistant Professors (Collaborators): Hohman, Koford, Pierce

Undergraduate Study
The department offers work for the bachelor of science degree with a major in animal ecology (see College of Agriculture, Curricula). For further information visit our departmental home page at: www.aecl.iastate.edu

The animal ecology curriculum provides its majors with an understanding of ecological principles and processes and their applications to natural resource management. It is oriented toward students desiring a general and flexible program in environmental biology and for those planning graduate study. Students may select from six options: Aquaculture, Ecology, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Interpretation of Natural Resources, Preveterinary and Wildlife Care, or Wildlife. Graduates find employment as aquaculturists, wildlife biologists, fisheries biologists, and ecologists for industry, environmental consulting firms, natural resource and environmental agencies and organizations, zoos, and as educators.

Graduates of the Animal Ecology program understand the basic principles of animal biology, ecology and management, and relevant aspects of scientific communication, basic mathematics and sciences, computing applications, and personal and professional development. Six specific options prepare students for careers in aquaculture, fisheries and aquatic sciences, ecology, wildlife, interpretation of natural resources, wildlife care and veterinary sciences. Each option has specific outcomes expectations that include (1) the scope of the specialization and its relationships to broader aspects of animal ecology, biotic resource management, and other allied scientific disciplines and professions, (2) career opportunities and requirements, and (3) knowledge and skills appropriate for employment at technical and practitioner levels in each discipline. Graduates are able to communicate and work effectively in the multidisciplinary arena of ecology and natural resource management.

This curriculum requires three months of relevant work experience or study at a biological station prior to graduation. The latter may be accomplished at the university’s affiliate field stations: Iowa Lakeside Laboratory at West Lake Okoboji, and Gulf Coast Research Laboratory at Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Information on these laboratories is available from the department’s Student Services Center.

The department participates in interdisciplinary programs in biology, environmental studies, and pest management. By proper selection of free and restricted elective courses, students can obtain a minor or a secondary major in environmental studies or pest management.

Preveterinary medicine preparation may be achieved while satisfying degree requirements in animal ecology.

Additional education and training can lead to other opportunities in such areas as research and management, natural resources planning and administration, teaching, and environmental consulting, among others. Graduate training is necessary for many specialized positions within the fields of animal ecology. Majors preparing for graduate study should consult with their academic adviser concerning appropriate coursework.

Students seeking certification to teach biology in secondary schools must meet requirements of the College of Education as well as those of the Department of Animal Ecology. In addition, they must apply formally for admission to the teacher education program (see Index, Teacher Education Program). Students with an interest in careers in outdoor writing are encouraged to obtain a minor or a second major in journalism (see Index, Journalism and Mass Communication, Courses and Programs). Students who wish to pursue a job as a conservation officer may wish to minor in criminal justice (see Index, Criminal Justice Studies).

The Department of Animal Ecology provides several scholarships; application information is available in the departmental Student Services Center.

The department offers a minor in animal ecology that may be earned by taking 15 credits in the department including 120, 310, 312 plus five additional credits of Animal Ecology courses at the 300 level or above.

Graduate Study
The department offers work for the degrees master of science and doctor of philosophy with majors in animal ecology, fisheries biology, and wildlife biology. Students may also major in interdepartmental graduate majors in ecology and evolutionary biology, toxicology, or water resources (see Index).

An M.S. in Animal Ecology nonthesis option is available for students desiring a general degree program with additional coursework and a creative component substituting for thesis research.

Graduates have a broad understanding of the basic principles of animal biology, ecology and management, and relevant aspects of basic mathematics and natural sciences, computing applications, and personal and professional development. They are able to execute rigorous independent research, have developed problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, and can communicate effectively with scientific colleagues and the general public in both formal and informal settings.

Personnel of the Biological Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey, through the Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources contribute to the graduate programs of the department.

No more than two dual-listed animal ecology courses may be applied for major graduate credit. Additional work is expected of students taking a dual-listed course for credit at the 500 level.

Courses open for nonmajor graduate credit: 350, 410, 410L, 413, 419I, 430, 451, 455, 460.

Courses Primarily for Undergraduate Students

A Ecl 104. Practical Work Experience
Cr. R. Three months of relevant work experience or study at a summer biological station. See adviser for specific requirements.

A Ecl 110. Orientation in Animal Ecology
(2-0) Cr. R. F. First half semester. Orientation to the Animal Ecology department and curriculum, and to university life.

A Ecl 120. Introduction to Renewable Resources (Same as Agron 120, AST 120, Env S 120, For 120.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Overview of soil, water, plants, and animals as renewable natural resources in an ecosystem context. History and organization of resource management. Concepts of integrated resource management.

A Ecl 130. Wildlife and Agriculture
(2-0) Cr. 2. S. Survey of the ecology and management of fish and wildlife resources in areas of intensive agriculture, with emphasis on Iowa. Wildlife conservation and management practices for private agricultural lands. Designed for nonmajors.

A Ecl 211. Careers in Animal Ecology
(2-0) Cr. 1. F. Second half semester. Prereq: Sophomore classification. Career planning and opportunities in animal ecology. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

A Ecl 301I. Iowa Natural History (Same as Ia LL 301I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 303. Internship
Cr. 1 to 3. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of instructor and sophomore standing. Placement with county conservation boards, camps, zoos, parks, etc., for experience as interpreters, rangers, and technicians. A total of 6 credits may be used toward degree requirements.

A Ecl 303I. Undergraduate Internship (Same as Ia LL 303I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 305. Seminar
(2-0) Cr. 1 each time taken; may be taken more than once for graduation credit. F.S. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Current topics in animal ecology, fisheries and wildlife biology, and environmental issues.

A Ecl 310. Vertebrate Biology
(3-2) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: Biol 202, 202L. Evolution, biology, and classification of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Emphasis on a comparative analysis of the structure and function of organ systems. Laboratory exercises concentrate on morphology and identification of orders of vertebrates.

A Ecl 312. Ecology (Same as Biol 312.)
See Biology.

A Ecl 312I. Ecology (Same as Ia LL 312I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 321. Fish Biology (Dual-listed with 521.)
(2-3) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 310. Anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecology of fishes.

A Ecl 326I. Ornithology (Same as Ia LL 326I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 330. Interpretation of Natural Resources
(2-3) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 6 credits in biological sciences. History, objectives, forms, and techniques of natural resources interpretation in the settings of county, state, and national parks.

A Ecl 350. Ecological Methods and Analyses
(2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 120, 312; Stat 101 or 104. Quantitative techniques used in management of natural resources with emphasis on inventory and manipulation of habitat and animal populations. Nonmajor graduate credit.

A Ecl 361. Natural History of Fishes
(0-3) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: 310, 312. Natural history and ecology of Midwest fishes, including identification, survey methods, habitat requirements, foods and feeding, reproduction, communities and other ecologcial factors which affect species well-being.

A Ecl 362. Natural History of Reptiles and Amphibians
(0-3) Cr. 1. S. Prereq: 310, 312. Natural history and ecology of Midwest reptiles and amphibians, including identification, survey methods, habitat requirements, foods and feeding, reproduction, communities and other ecological factors which affect species well-being.

A Ecl 363. Natural History of Birds
(0-3) Cr. 1. S. Prereq: 310, 312. Natural history and ecology of Midwest birds, including identification, habitat requirements, distribution, foods and foraging, and reproduction.

A Ecl 364. Natural History of Mammals
(0-3) Cr. 1. F.S. Prereq: 310, 312. Natural history and ecology of Midwest mammals, including identification, survey methods, habitat requirements, foods and feeding, reproduction, communities and other ecological factors which affect species well-being.

A Ecl 401. Introductory Aquatic Animal Health and Medicine (Same as V Med 401.)
See Veterinary Medicine.

A Ecl 404I. Behavioral Ecology (Same as Ia LL 404I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 410. Aquatic Ecology (Same as EnSci 410.)
(2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: Biol 202, 202L; 312 recommended. Structure and function of aquatic ecosystems with application to management, fisheries, and pollution problems. Nonmajor graduate credit.

A Ecl 410L. Aquatic Ecology Laboratory (Same as EnSci 410L.)
(0-3) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in 410. Field trips and laboratory exercises to accompany 410. Hands-on experience with aquatic research and monitoring techniques and concepts. Nonmajor graduate credit.

A Ecl 413. Community Ecology and Management
(2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Biol 312. The effect of interspecific interactions on the structure and dynamics of natural and managed communities; including concepts of guild structure and trophic web dynamics and their importance to the productivity, diversity, stability, and sustainability of communities. The implications of interspecific interactions in the management of wild species will be emphasized with illustrative case histories of interactions between plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Nonmajor graduate credit.

A Ecl 419I. Vertebrate Ecology and Evolution (Same as Ia LL 419I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory. Nonmajor graduate credit.

A Ecl 420I. Amphibians and Reptiles (Same as Ia LL 420I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 425. Aquatic Insects (Dual-listed with 525; same as Ent 425.)
See Entomology.

A Ecl 430. Media Techniques in Natural Resources Interpretation
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2001. Prereq: 330. Media techniques used by interpreters for teaching the public about natural resources. Nonmajor graduate credit.

A Ecl 440. Fishery Management (Dual-listed with 540.)
(2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq:120, 312; credit or enrollment in 410; Stat 101 or 104. Biological basis of fishery management, fishery problems, and management practices for freshwater, anadromous, and marine fisheries.

A Ecl 442. Aquaculture (Dual-listed with 542.)
(2-3) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 410, 410L, credit or enrollment in 321. Concepts related to the culture of aquatic organisms including culture systems, water quality, nutrition, genetics, and diseases.

A Ecl 451. Wildlife Management
(2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 350. Problems of managing wildlife habitat and populations. Case studies and group projects. Nonmajor graduate credit.

A Ecl 455. International Wildlife Issues
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 120, 310, 312 or graduate standing. Biological, political, social, and economic factors affecting the management of international wildlife resources. Nonmajor graduate credit.

A Ecl 460. Controversies in Renewable Resource Management
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 120, and 312 or For 301. Junior classification. Analysis of controversial renewable resource issues using a case approach that considers uncertainty and adequacy of information and scientific understanding. Ecological, social, political, economic, and ethical implications of each issue will be analyzed. Nonmajor graduate credit.

A Ecl 490. Independent Study
Cr. arr. F.S.SS. Prereq: Junior or senior classification, 10 credits in biological sciences and permission of instructor. Student-initiated field, laboratory, or library project. A total of 6 credits may be used toward degree requirements.

A Ecl 490I. Undergraduate Independent Study (Same as Ia LL 490I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 493. Workshop
(1-0) Cr. 1. SS. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Ecological concepts and fishery and wildlife management practices for landowners and farm managers. Not for students majoring in animal ecology. May be taken more than once for graduation credit.

A Ecl 496. Animal Ecology Travel Course (Dual-listed with 596.)
Cr. 1-3. May be repeated. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Limited enrollment. Extended field trips to study ecological topics in forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, coastal, marine or other environments. Location and duration of trips will vary. Pre-trip sessions arranged. Trip expenses paid by students.

A. International

B. Domestic

Courses Primarily for Graduate Students, open to qualified undergraduate students

A Ecl 505. Seminar
(2-0) Cr. 1 each time taken; may be taken more than once for graduation credit. F.S. Prereq: Permission of instructor or graduate classification. Current topics in ecological research, fish and wildlife management, and environmental problems related to fish or wildlife resources.

A Ecl 508I. Aquatic Ecology (Same as Ia LL 508I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 510. Histology and Pathology of Fish Diseases (Same as Zool 510.)
(2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: A course in vertebrate histology or ichthyology. Histology of teleost fishes; pathogen biology and analysis of cell and tissue changes in the major teleost diseases.

A Ecl 513. Ecological Toxicology (Same as EnSci 513, Tox 513.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2001. Prereq: Biol 312. Effects of contaminants on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and community structure and processes. Environmental flow and fate of contaminants. Ecological risk assessment.

A Ecl 514. Evolutionary Ecology
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2001. Prereq: 588; Biol 303; graduate standing. Relationships between animals and their environment, with major emphasis on adaptive strategies and evolutionary mechanisms.

A Ecl 515. Ecology of Freshwater Invertebrates (Same as Zool 515.)
(1-6) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: Biol 312; Stat 101 or 104. Identification, natural history, and ecological relationships of free-living freshwater invertebrates. Emphasis on community structure, function and sampling techniques.

A Ecl 516. Avian Ecology
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: 310, 312, graduate standing or permission of instructor. Current topics and theories including avian breeding and foraging ecology, community structure, habitat selection, field methodologies, and data interpretation. Strong evolutionary emphasis.

A Ecl 518. Stream Ecology (Same as EnSci 518.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: 410. Biological, chemical, physical, and geological processes that determine the structure and function of flowing water ecosystems. Current ecological theories as well as applications to stream management for water quality and fisheries.

A Ecl 520. Fish Ecology
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2003. Prereq: 312, 321. Relationships of fish with biotic and abiotic components of their environment and the functional role of fish in stream, lake, reservoir and marine ecosytems. Course will focus on current conceptual developments and primary literature.

A Ecl 520I. Fish Ecology (Same as Ia LL 520I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 521. Fish Biology (Dual-listed with 321.)
(2-3) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 310. Anatomy, physiology, behavior and ecology of fishes.

A Ecl 525. Aquatic Insects (Dual-listed with 425; same as Ent 525.)
See Entomology.

A Ecl 526I. Advanced Field Ornithology (Same as Ia LL 526I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 531. Conservation Biology
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2003. Prereq: 312; Biol 301, graduate standing or permission of instructor. Examination of conservation issues from a population and a community perspective. Population-level analysis will focus on the role of genetics, demography, and environment in determining population viability. Community perspectives will focus on topics such as habitat fragmentation, reserve design, biodiversity assessment, and restoration ecology.

A Ecl 531I. Conservation Biology (Same as Ia LL 531I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 532. Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2002. Prereq: Biol 312 or equivalent plus 6 credits of biological sciences; permission of instructor. Exploration of institutions that help shape fish and wildlife management and policies. Current research on interaction of humans with wildlife resources. Roles of social forces, politics and economics in wildlife management.

A Ecl 535. Restoration Ecology (Same as EnSci 535.)
(2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Bot 306 or 484; graduate standing or permission of instructor. Theory and practice of restoring animal and plant diversity, structure and function of disturbed ecosystems. Restored freshwater wetlands, forests, prairies and reintroduced species populations will be used as case studies.

A Ecl 535I. Restoration Ecology (Same as Ia LL 535I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 540. Fishery Management (Dual-listed with 440.)
(2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 120, 312, credit or enrollment in 410; Stat 101 or 104. Biological basis of fishery management, fishery problems, and practices for management of freshwater, anadromous, and marine fisheries.

A Ecl 542. Aquaculture (Dual-listed with 442.)
(2-3) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 410, 410L, credit or enrollment in 321. Concepts related to the culture of aquatic organisms including culture systems, water quality, nutrition, genetics, and diseases.

A Ecl 544. Aquatic Toxicology (Same as EnSci 544, Tox 544.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2002. Prereq: 410. Environmental chemistry and the biochemical, physiological, behavioral and population level effects of contaminants on aquatic organisms.

A Ecl 551. Wildlife Behavioral Ecology
(2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: 312; a course in wildlife management recommended. Examination and synthesis of social organizational and behavioral concepts important for wildlife conservation. Game and non-hunted wildlife species of the world treated.

A Ecl 560. Ecological Resource Management
(2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2003. Prereq: Biol 202, 202L, 312; Stat 101 or 104; graduate standing or permission of instructor. Ecological and economical management of sustainable biological resources. Unifying current management concepts and models in wildlife, fisheries, water quality, forestry, recreation, and agriculture. Research problems.

A Ecl 570. Landscape Ecology (Same as Bot 570.)
(2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2002. Prereq: 588; permission of instructor; a course in calculus. The study of ecological and evolutionary processes within a spatial context with emphasis on behavior, population, and community dynamics.

A Ecl 573. Techniques for Biology Teaching (Same as Ia LL 573.)
Cr. 1 or 2 each time taken. SS. The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.

            A. Animal Biology (Same as Ia LL 573A)

            G. Limnology (Same as Ia LL 573G)

            H. Animal Behavior (Same as Ia LL 573H)

            W. Project WET (Same as Ia LL 573W)

A Ecl 580. Research Methods in Ecology
(2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 20 credits in biological sciences and a course in statistics. Research design, proposal preparation, technical writing, and professional presentations.

A Ecl 588. Population Ecology (Same as Bot 588.)
(2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 312; Stat 401; a course in calculus. Concepts and theories of population dynamics with emphasis on models of growth, predation, competition, and regulation.

A Ecl 590. Special Topics
Cr. arr. F.S.SS. Prereq: Graduate classification, permission of instructor. A total of 6 credits may be used toward degree requirements.

A Ecl 590I. Graduate Independent Study (Same as Ia LL 590I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 593. Workshop in Animal Ecology
Cr. 1 to 3. Prereq: 6 credits in biological sciences. May be taken more than once for graduation credit.

A Ecl 596. Animal Ecology Travel Course (Dual-listed with 496.)
Cr. 1-3. May be repeated. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Limited enrollment. Extended field trips to study ecological topics in forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, coastal, marine or other environments. Location and duration of trips will vary. Pre-trip sessions arranged. Trip expenses paid by students.

A. International

B. Domestic

A Ecl 599. Creative Component
Cr. arr. Prereq: Nonthesis M.S. option only.

Courses for Graduate Students

A Ecl 600. Seminar
(2-0) Cr. 1 each time taken. May be taken more than once for graduation credit. F.S. Current topics in ecological research, fish and wildlife management, and environmental problems related to fish or wildlife resources.

A Ecl 611. Analysis of Populations
(2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2001. Prereq: 312; Stat 401; a course in calculus. Quantitative techniques for analyzing vertebrate population data to estimate parameters such as density and survival. Emphasis on statistical inference and computing.

A Ecl 698. Animal Ecology Teaching Practicum
Cr. 1 to 3 each time taken F.S.SS. Prereq: Graduate classification in animal ecology and permission of instructor. Graduate student experience in the animal ecology teaching program. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

A Ecl 699. Research

A Ecl 699I. Research (Same as Ia LL 699I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

Courses Offered at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL), Ocean Springs, Mississippi

The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory is affiliated with the University of Southern Mississippi. Iowa State students may register for the following University of Southern Mississippi/GCRL courses and transfer them to their ISU degree programs. Written permission of the ISU coordinator for the GCRL, 201 Bessey, is required for this arrangement. Inquire at 201 Bessey for further information.

MAR 405. Marine Ecology
Cr. 3. SS. Prereq: 16 hours of biological sciences including general zoology, general botany, and invertebrate zoology. A consideration of the relationship of marine organisms to their environment, including the effects of temperature, salinity, light, nutrient concentration, currents, and food on their abundance and distribution.

MAR 405L. Marine Ecology Lab
Cr. 2. SS. Lab to accompany MAR 405.

MAR 406. Fauna and Faunistic Ecology of Tidal Marshes
Cr. 1. SS. Prereq: 16 hours of biological sciences and junior standing. Survey and discussion of the taxonomy, distribution, trophic relationships, reproductive strategies and adaptation of tidal marsh animals with emphasis on those occurring in northern Gulf marshes.

MAR 406L. Fauna and Faunistic Ecology of Tidal Marshes Lab
Cr. 3. SS. Lab to accompany MAR 406.

MAR 407. Marine Aquaculture
Cr. 3. SS. Prereq: General zoology or invertebrate zoology. A lecture, laboratory, and field course designed to introduce aquatic and marine biology students to the history, principles, problems, and procedures relating to the culture of commercially important crustaceans, fish, and mollusks along the Gulf Coast.

MAR 407L. Marine Aquaculture Lab
Cr. 3. SS. Lab to accompany MAR 407.

MAR 410. Marine Fisheries Management
Cr. 2. SS. A general course in fisheries management designed to acquaint students with the philosophy, objectives, problems, and principles involved in management decisions. Lectures will include specialists in biology, fisheries statistics, sanitation, and marine law.