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SPECIES PAPER

PAZ 2320

PENSACOLA JUNIOR COLLEGE

 

The species paper should be an in-depth study of a specific species of amphibian or reptile.  Through this study the student should research the general areas discussed in the first four weeks of the formal course in herpetoculture as they apply to a species of amphibian or reptile of their own choosing (pending instructor approval, and no two students in the class may report on the same species).    This undertaking will provide the student with an appreciation for a specific species of amphibian or reptile, not only through their own work but also through researching the works of others.

 

A FIVE MINUTE ORAL REPORT TO YOUR CLASSMATES REGARDING NOVEL ASPECTS OF THE BIOLOGY, CAPTIVE MANAGEMENT, AND RESEARCH OF YOUR CHOSEN SPECIES WILL BE REQUIRED DURING THE FINAL WEEK OF THIS COURSE.

 

General Requirements:

 

1.  The paper should be at least 8  (8.5" x 11") double spaced typewritten (COMPUTER-WRITTEN!!) pages.  Paper length should be as required to thoroughly investigate species.

2.  Two copies are to be submitted.  One will be graded and returned and the other kept on file.

3.  You must demonstrate that you have reviewed original sources.  You must use the PJC and UWF libraries at a minimum to search journals and other sources and should also use the databases and inter-library loan.  The use of internet information is encouraged as a supplement to books and journals if the authority of the sites visited can be substantiated, but is not to replace the use of other research sources.

4.  Sources not utilized in the writing of the paper are not to be entered into the bibliography.  Sources referenced for the paper must be cited in the body of the paper each time information is used from them in the form: (Rose and Daisy, 1996) or (Rose et. al., 1996) if more than 3 authors, and entered into the bibliography. 

5.  You can include in your paper, your own original field (or zoo!) observations and research.  This is desirable if possible, but not necessary.

6.  Your paper must include (labeled sections):

            Title page

            Complete species taxonomy (include any disagreement or controversy)

            Detailed description and drawing or picture (photocopied from a book, journal, etc)

            Distribution (may use a map), range, habitat

            Natural history of species:

                        Feeding habits

                        Behavior and seasonal changes

                        Mating and reproduction

                        Physiological adaptations

                        Inter-species interactions (e.g. predators, prey, parasitism, commensalism)

            Captive management

            Status in the wild and captivity

            Recent research summary (5 scientific research papers, peer-reviewed journals)

            Bibliography

7.  Bibliography style---list sources cited in body and research summaries alphabetically, as:

Books:             Katti CT, Kotturu MS, 2001.  Biology of Cobras.  India Wildlife Press, Ahmadabad, India.

Articles:           Katti CT, Kotturu MS, Arcot KU, 2004.  “King cobra behavior: myths and realities.”  India National Wildlife 5:24-27.

Webpage:        Kaplan, Melissa, 2002.  “Ornate horned frogs.”  http://www.anapsid.org/ornatacare.html in Melissa Kaplan’s Herp Care Collection.