MCCCD Official Course Competencies:

BIO085AA  1990 Fall – 2012 Fall

Topics in Natural History of Arizona

1.

Describe the physical parameters which are responsible for the development of deserts throughout the world. (I)

2.

Identify common Arizona plant families. (II)

3.

Describe the general adaptations of desert plants and the stress factors facing them. (III)

4.

Identify common invertebrate groups and describe their natural history. (IV)

5.

Describe the general adaptations of desert invertebrates and the stress factors facing them. (V)

6.

Identify common vertebrate groups and describe their natural history. (VI)

7.

Describe the general adaptations of desert vertebrates and the stress factors facing them. (VII)

8.

Describe the effects of human activity on native plants and animals. (VIII)

MCCCD Official Course Outline:

BIO085AA  1990 Fall – 2012 Fall

Topics in Natural History of Arizona

I. Physical Parameters of the Desert

A. Worldwide Climatic Patterns

1. Characteristics of gases and moisture

2. Subtropical deserts

3. Rain shadow effect

B. Sonoran Desert

1. Biseasonal rainfall

2. Major plant community influences

3. Annuals vs perennials

C. Local Conditions

1. Edaphic conditions

2. Slope Exposure

3. Cold air drainage

II. Common Arizona Plant Families

A. Flower Characteristics

B. Natural History

III. Plant Adaptations

A. Behavioral Adaptations

1. Drought evading

2. Drought escapers

3. Drought resistors

B. Root Adaptations

1. Phreatophytes

2. Cacti and creosote bush

C. Stem Adaptations

1. Succulents

2. Branching

D. Leaf Adaptations

1. Succulents

2. Spines, prickles, and thorns

3. Trichomes and sunken stoma

IV. Invertebrate Taxonomy and Natural History

A. Chelicerates

1. Physical characteristics - Arachnid orders

2. Feedign strategies

3. Reproductive strategies

B. Uniramians

1. Physical characteristics - insect orders

2. Feeding strategies

3. Reproductive strategies

V. Invertebrate Adaptations

A. Behavioral

B. Morphological

C. Physiological

VI. Vertebrate Taxonomy and Natural History

A. Fishes - Survey

1. Endangered species

2. Adaptations

B. Amphibians - Survey

1. Life cycles

2. Feeding/reproduction

3. Adaptations

C. Reptiles - Survey

1. Tortoise

2. Lizard

3. Snake

D. Birds - Survey

1. Mating strategies

2. Arid adaptations

3. Desert behavior and songs

E. Mammals - Survey

1. Thermoregulation

2. Adaptive behavior

VII. Vertebrate Adaptations

A. Behavioral

B. Morphological

C. Physiological

VIII. Changing Landscape

A. Effects of Introduced Species

1. Displacement

2. Overgrazing

3. Fire

B. Loss of Riparian Habitat

1. Overpumping water table

2. Dams and canals

C. Effects of Off-Road Vehicles