ENTOM 2500

Biological Diversity of the Sonoran Desert

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

The Sonoran Desert hosts an impressive array of biological diversity. This course will explore this diversity, with a focus on the insect fauna and the plants they utilize. Specific topics will include collection methods, insect biodiversity, biogeography, and Sonoran Desert plant communities. Required field component to Tucson, AZ during spring break, TBA. This course receives more credit than typical for the meeting pattern due to substantial academic activity outside of instructional hours.

Prerequisites ENTOM 2120.

Fees Field trip, $1,500. Fee for lodging, food, and transportation in Arizona. Students are responsible for purchasing their airplane ticket which is an added expense.

Distribution Requirements (BSC-AG, DLG-AG)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2026SP, 2023SP, 2019SP

Learning Outcomes

• Contextualize the biodiversity of the desert southwest through a focused examination of insects and their host plant communities.
• Utilize skills in insect natural history observation.
• Explain and present scientific results orally and in writing.
• Interpret, analyze, and discuss scientific literature relevant to desert ecology and plant and insect biodiversity.

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