BIOLOGY EXPEDITION INTO BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO JAN 2001

NATURAL HISTORY OF BAJA CALIFORNIA (Biology 326)
Download PDF for 2004 Expedition

During this course, students and faculty will visit and explore some of the unique coastal and desert landscapes of Baja California, Mexico. This peninsular landform provides the opportunity to contrast subtropical Pacific coastal wetlands and intertidal communities with their tropical counterparts on the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) and to study the desert communities in between.

Activities will include: tent-camping, tidepooling, snorkeling, canoeing, nature-walking, journaling, whale watching, star gazing and learning, learning, learning. We will be living together as a community—making decisions together; solving problems together, learning from each other.

First Class Meeting: Jan 2
On Campus: Jan 2 – 6
In Field: Jan 6 – 22 or 23
On Campus: Jan 23-30

Cost:
Total cost of the trip is $500. A $100 deposit was due by Nov 17, 2000, or sooner. This deposit is refundable until Dec 4. The balance of the $500 is due by Dec 7. If enrollment interest is high, the class will close on Dec 15. The money will be used to pay for transportation, Mexican auto insurance, food, lodging, visitor’s permits, tour guides, and miscellaneous supplies. You may wish to bring additional personal spending money for souvenirs, extra munchies, etc.

Visitors’ Permits:
You will need to bring proof of U.S. Citizenship. There are mixed messages about what serves as adequate proof. Some sources are saying a birth certificate is still adequate ID. Others, that a passport is necessary. I suggest you bring a passport, if possible. These will be shown at the border, in order to obtain a Mexico Visitors permit.

Personal Needs
See list.
Approximate Itinerary (Will change slightly depending on circumstances):

On Campus
Jan 2-5               Class meetings(9am-4pm MA 256): Background briefings; Group planning; Buying and packing supplies.
6                          Depart 8am

Camping & Lodging Sites
6                           Camp in Estero Beach RV Park
7, 8                      Campground near San Quintin estuary/salt marsh (Pacific side of Baja))
20                        Campground in Catavena (inland)
10-13                  Camp on Beach at Bahia San Luis Gonzaga/Bahia Willard (Gulf side)
14, 15                 Camp near Laguna Manuel or Guerrero Negro (Pacific)
16,17                  Camp at Laguna San Ignacio (Pacific)
18, 19                 Camp near site of cave paintings (inland)
20                        Camp near Catavina or San Quintin
21, 22                 Camp in Estero Beach RV Park
23 or 24              Home in Laverne

Finishing up the course
26, 29, 30           Class meetings on campus.


Additional information will be available during the first class meetings and as we approach the departure date.

Dan Merritt, PhD
Professor Zoology & Environmental Science
909 593-8236 merrittd@ulv.edu
Biology Department, ULV
 

NATURAL HISTORY OF BAJA CALIFORNIA JAN 2001
TOPICS AND REQUIREMENTS

TOPICS (Emphasis will vary.)
Physical geography, geology & climate of Baja (See Roberts & Brusca texts)
Phytogeographic areas and common local plants of Baja (Using Roberts text on short treks.)
Review of taxonomy with emphasis on the invertebrates (taxonomic categories & distinguishing characteristics) (lectures and various reference texts)
Introduction to basics of Intertidal Biology, including identification and study of relationships of intertidal organisms inhabiting rocky, sandy, and boulder beaches on the Pacific and Gulf Coasts of Baja. (Field treks from base camp during low tides).
Ecology of salt marshes, estuaries and mud flats (Bahias San Quintin, Willard & San Luis Gonzaga)
Early Amerindian life in Baja (cave paintings, petroglyphs, kitchen middens, plant uses, coming of the Spanish missions).
Further topics will be developed according to the interests of the group. Those who have special knowledge of other aspects of natural history, such as geology, astronomy, archeology, Spanish language and culture, etc., will be encouraged to share information during the trip.

REQUIREMENTS
Students will

• Participate in expeditionary activity, planning, preparation, group activities, etc.*
• Maintain and submit a natural history journal.
• Pass the basic taxonomy competency exam.
• Submit a checklist of observed native plants for each of two phytogeographic regions.*
• Submit a checklist of intertidal and salt marsh-estuarine organisms of Gonzaga/Willard Bay.*
• Complete and submit a field project writeup (details later).*
• Assist in the unpacking and cleanup of vehicles upon return to ULV.*
  
  * Students will work in pairs and/or small groups on these requirements.
   

EVALUATION
Course grades will be based on the above requirements.

MAIN REFERENCE TEXTS
Baja California Plant Field Guide, Norman Roberts
Seashore Life of Southern California, Sam Hinton
Sea of Cortez Marine Invertebrates, Kerstitch

OTHER IMPORTANT REFERENCES:
Handbook to the common intertidal invertebrates of the Gulf of California, Brusca
Life and death of a salt marsh, Teal & Teal
Various field biology manuals & references

ADDITIONAL READINGS
Supplemental handouts will be made available.