The Biology of Rarity	Biology 685—Fall 2002
Dr. Jeffrey White Department of Biological Sciences Science A – Room 355B 826-5551; jww12@humboldt.edu www.humboldt.edu/~jww12	Office Hours Wednesdays 1:30-2:30 Thursdays 9:00-11:00 Subject to change
DESCRIPTION AND GOALS Rare things capture the fascination of humankind and lead to the perception that rare things are special is some way. In biology it is no different. But what is a rare species? How do we decide which species are rare? Do rare species differ biologically from common species? What are the biological implications of rare status for the conservation of biodiversity in general? We will explore these questions by examining the causes and consequences of rarity through ecological, population genetic, and phylogenetic perspectives and will be led primarily by the interests of the participants. FORMAT This 1-unit graduate seminar will begin with a couple of lectures and discussions reviewing current theoretical and empirical work on rarity. Next, course participants will each lead a one hour session exploring a topic on rarity in depth. The group will read papers for each session and prepare questions for discussion. EVALUATION Session leader 50% Participation & Questions 50% LEADING A SESSION Each of you will facilitate a one-hour discussion session on a rarity topic. In preparation for the discussion, the group will read one or two papers that you select in consultation with me. You’ll make sure that everyone gets the paper(s) at least a week ahead of time. Begin the session with an overview of the questions or issues which are at the focus of the paper. Provide a context for both the reading and the discussion. Avoid a strait summary of the paper. Presumably, we will all have a bit of a summary in our own minds because we read the paper. Because the participants will be preparing questions themselves, you will have this set available to jump-start the discussion should that ever be needed. Be sure to give the questions to me before you leave! Raising Questions Research and the insights and discoveries that come from this is driven by curiosity—and questions that arise from this innate human trait. As we read, think, and discuss the variety issues that concern rarity, keep your mind on posing relevant questions and possible answers to those questions. They may be general or specific. But aim you effort toward elucidating and understanding general principles about rarity rather that explanations for case by case examples. So…for each week’s session, come prepared with two questions that you have written beforehand that pertain to the reading and related ideas. Submit them on a 4x6 inch index card at the beginning of the session.