Vertebrate Zoology
Vertebrate life surrounds us – in our backyards and parks, our local lakes and streams.
Many of these creatures can serve as indicators of the health of the places they inhabit, and warn us of destructive environmental factors.
By studying our native vertebrates, we can spot the early effects of environmental degradation, such as pollution and erosion. Such work also can reveal the impacts of non-native species as they spread into Northeast Ohio’s natural areas from other regions.
By studying our native vertebrates, we can spot the early effects of environmental degradation, such as pollution and erosion. Such work also can reveal the impacts of non-native species as they spread into Northeast Ohio’s natural areas from other regions.
The Department of Vertebrate Zoology’s research focuses on amphibians, reptiles, fish and crayfish. Several studies are long-term monitoring projects.
The department manages the following:
• Mammal skin, skull and skeletal collections, mainly of North American and African species
• Ohio amphibian and reptile collections
• Ohio fishes collections
• Crayfish collection
• Dermestid (beetle) laboratory
The Department of Vertebrate Zoology offers opportunities for students to learn about the discipline in-depth. Undergraduate students interested in a paid summer internship in this discipline are encouraged to investigate the Adopt-A-Student program.