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SPECIES PAPER
PAZ 2320
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 (INCLUDING VISUAL AIDS) 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 books 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 may include in your paper, your own
original field (or zoo!) observations and research. This is desirable if you have access to the
species, but not necessary. Site as:
(personal observation).
6. Your paper must include (as 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,
including sections for:
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 summaries (5
scientific research papers, peer-reviewed journals)
Bibliography
7. Bibliography style---list sources cited in
body and research summaries alphabetically, as:
Books:
Articles:
Webpage: Kaplan, Melissa, 2002. “Ornate horned frogs.” http://www.anapsid.org/ornatacare.html in Melissa Kaplan’s Herp Care
Collection.