Syllabus

The Biology of Water Bears and Other Micro-Invertebrates.

This course focuses on the biology of exceedingly common yet lesser-known organisms.  Water bears (tardigrades) are strange, somehow cute creatures that capture the imagination of all who see them.  Water bears serve as model organisms in genetic research and their occurrence in nature is nearly ubiquitous.  In this introduction to the biology of micro-invertebrates, we will encounter interactions between water bears and a great diversity of other organisms, including chytrids.  Chytrids are zoosporic fungi recently linked to the global decline of amphibians.   Many chytrids are important decomposers while others are parasites of plants, algae, other fungi, and invertebrates. Though they are fungi, chytrids are linked to the biology of micro-invertebrates.   As lesser-known organisms inhabiting microwildernesses, water bears and chytrids are symbolic of the great and readily accessible biodiversity amendable to student investigation.  

The inspiration for the course is a statement made by the renowned E. O. Wilson in The Future of Life (2002, p. 145): "Educators have made surprisingly little use of them [microwildernesses] in introducing the wonders of life to students."  Educators possessing the practical knowledge of phylum distinctions, ecological roles, and specific recognition of select genera and species are better equipped to guide students into microwildernesses.  Each day will consist of a combination of lecture, field collecting, and lab activity. Lectures will explain basic morphology and biology of common organisms, including the following:  ciliates, amoebae, cnidarians, turbellarians, gastrotrichs, rotifers, annelids, tardigrades, arthropods (and many subgroups), myxomycetes, oomycetes, chytridiomycetes, and other micro-fungi.  We will sample marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats.

Course Goals: 1) to gain an understanding of the biology of water bears and other micro-invertebrates, 2) to improve one's observation skills, 3) to become familiar with collecting and culturing techniques, and 4) to become familiar with projects amendable to your classroom.

Instructor: Paul G. Davison, Associate Professor, UNA Box 5232, Dept. Biology, University of North Alabama, Florence, AL 35632. Phone (256) 765-4434. E-mail: pgdavison@una.edu

Dates. July 11 - 17, 2010.

Text. None. A number of printed resources (as photocopies) will be given to participants. A bibliography will also be provided.

Schedule. The class meets 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM each day with evening lab time for those who can attend. Throughout the week, we will learn how to observe behaviors and interactions within microcosms. Activities will include the study of feeding behaviors of selected animals, phototaxis, successional changes in micro-communities, and observing life histories of copepods, chytrids and other water molds, water bears, dipterans, and others as encountered.

Monday. Construction of extractors and other tools. Investigating tree trunk and forest soil microwildernesses (begin extractions). Plankton, periphyton, and the benthos

Tuesday. Journaling. The role of natural history in education. Extending the life and value of traditional slide wet-mounts. Where to find abundant water bears. Making a micro-aquarium.  The chytrid kit.

Wednesday. Investigating tree trunk and forest soil microwildernesses (results). Marine microhabitats.

Thursday. The mini-box habitat for leaf litter arthropods. Working with agar. Investigating anhydrobiosis.

Friday. Maintenance of a living library of micro-life. Urban Microwildernesses. Final observations. Course evaluation to include an open discussion of what worked and what didn't.

Grading. Grading is based on participation and on individual progress in acquiring new knowledge.

Recommended Reading:

Web site: www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/pond/index.html

Article:

Powell, M. J. 1993. Looking at mycology with a Janus face. A glimpse at Chytridiomycetes in the environment.  Mycologia 85: 1-20.

Books:

Kinchin, I. M.  1994.  The Biology of Tardigrades.  Ashgate Publishing.

Nardi, J. B. 2007. Life in the Soil. A Guide for Naturalists and Gardeners. The Univ. of Chicago Press.

Rainis, K. G. and B. J. Russell. 1996. Guide to Microlife. Orchard Books.

Wilson, E. O. 2002. The Future of Life. Knof.

What to Bring: A quality hand lens is required. kooters.com carries a large selection and is simply the best source for learning about which hand lens is best for you and your budget. I recommend a 10x or 14x magnification. If you have a microscope you are encouraged to bring it. As an option, bring a digital camera with build-in lens for taking micrographs. You are encouraged to bring your choice of identification manuals for aquatic insects and other invertebrates including the protozoans. Bring sturdy footwear for hiking and walking through wet, muddy places. Bring a backpack for collecting materials and personal items for field trips.

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