Identification
Preparing for field work & labs
In this guide you will identify organisms based on direct observations of their physical characteristics as well as indirect evidence.
Video Overview
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Identification Lecture Guide Contents
The material from this guide and corresponding lecture is assessed on the weekly quiz.
Identification Lecture Objectives
Evidence
Distinguish between direct and indirect evidence, and provide examples of both; analyze animal tracks based on shape, size, and location, identifying species with track evidence; and identify animals based on scat, as well as chew marks, rubs, and other indirect forms of animal evidence.
Illustration
Describe the role of illustration in science and the types of illustrations commonly used to capture and convey information about animals; and outline the basic elements of a drawing and sketch utilizing these elements.
Birds
Discuss the ancestry of modern birds, including evidence of relatedness to reptiles, and more specifically, dinosaurs; and match bird beaks to the types of foods birds eat.
Field Marks
List the basic characteristics used to identify birds; and use general structural characteristics, including field marks, to correctly identify a bird species.
