Reptile becomes a dad at 111 years old!

This BBC news story focuses on my favorite reptile, the endangered tuatara. Their reproductive cycle, which is hinted at just in the title of this piece, at least partly explains why they are endangered - some of them aren't reproductive until they're centenarians! There are also other aspects of their biology (reproductive and otherwise), as well as habitat destruction by humans, that have collectively resulted in the threatened status of this group. This status is an absolute shame because they are some of the most primitive and intriguing (and, in my opinion, beautiful) animals in the world.

This week

This week is full of moving events and milestones. Not only did we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr., yesterday, but today we swore in a new American President! And on a more local note, we start classes here at Rockhurst tomorrow, which is also pretty exciting. Though not nearly as historically important, earlier this week we were thrilled to set up an aquarium in the biology office suite (Science Center 220) that now houses our bichir. Bichirs (pictured) are primitive fish of the genus Polypterus, which, for obvious reasons, means "many fins." They are from the Congo of Africa and are very unique and endearing fish. He is incredibly active (he's been known to jump out of his previous aquarium - but he was okay because he has a LUNG in addition to his gills!) and can "walk" on the rocks in the bottom of his aquarium using his strong pectoral fins, and even swim backward. He is really cool, and I hope lots of people come by to see him now that he's on display!

Happy 2009!

It's the new year and I am starting to get excited about the coming semester. I will be teaching Evolution, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Cell Basis for A&P, Advanced Principles of Biology, and Biology Field Trip. I LOVE each of these courses, and am especially looking forward to our return trip to Nicaragua in May with the Field Trip class. In Evolution, we'll once again be conducting our service learning projects (please see the links below for last year's), which I am eager to begin. This year we will also be creating art and informational displays for our Darwin Day celebration (Darwin's 200th birthday on February 12th). I will post more info on that when the time draws nearer.

Until the start of the semester, I'll be working on finalizing and submitting a manuscript about the timber rattlesnake project. I'll keep everyone apprised!

So happy new year, and I look forward to seeing everyone on the 21st!