Biol. 496 – Advanced Topics in Biology. Conservation Issues and Concerns: Invertebrate Animals in Nevada and Utah.

Instructor and Contact information: Mark A. Ports, M.S. in Zoology, Professor emeritus, Science Department, Great Basin College, Elko campus. email address: , cell phone: 388-0257 or contact Dori Andrepont at 753-2120. Dori is the administrative secretary for Math and Sciences and she can contact me if necessary.

Class Times and Place: May 3, 6:00-9:00pm and May 4, 8:00am - 12 noon, lunch, 1:00 – 5:00pm. Lundberg Hall Rm. 123, Great Basin College, Elko Campus.

Class description: This is a 1 credit, one time, undergraduate course that covers the conservation issues and concerns of invertebrate animals found in Nevada and Utah. Power point presentations, pertinent videos, laboratory experiences, case studies, and discussions will be used in this two day course. A MAXIMUM OF TEN STUDENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED INTO THE CLASS!

Topics will include:

1. The importance of invertebrate animals found in the unique ecosystems of Nevada and Utah.

2. The biological characters of invertebrate animals will include life histories, habitats, and adaptations to mountain and desert environments. A period of time will be spent in the lab to study specimens and aid in the identification of each group to be discussed. A video will be used to illustrate the diversity and adaptations of invertebrate animals.

3. We will look at and discuss the state and federally species of invertebrate animals listed as “species of concern”, sensitive, threatened, or endangered.

4. A review of the pertinent literature: peer reviewed, gray literature, web sites, video/photography resources, state and federal information.

5. Case studies of the following invertebrates: what are the biological characteristics that make these invertebrates sensitive to natural and human caused impacts? What are the factors that “endanger” the continued existence of these invertebrates in Nevada and Utah? Class discussions.

A. Mattoni’s Blue (genus Euphilotes)

B. Mt. Charleston Blue Butterfly (genius Icarcia)

C. Carson Wandering Skipper (genus Pseudocopaeodes)

D. Ash Meadows naucorid (genus Ambrysus)

E. Humboldt serican scarab (genus Serica)

F. Northwest Bonneville Pyrg (genus Pyrgulopsis)

G. Longitudinal Gland Pyrg (genus Pyrgulopsis)

H. Schell Creek Mountainsnail (genus Oreohelix)

I. California Floater (genus Anodonta)

J. Invertebrates of Concern: Bark Beetles, New Zealand Mud snail and the Quagga mussel.

Grading: This is a pass/fail course. There will be no exams or assignments for students to be turned into the instructor. In order to earn a passing grade students must attend the times and days of the class. Discussion is strongly encouraged. I ask that as professional biologists and students we can share ideas on how to protect and manage for these animals.