M. Christopher Barnhart
Department of Biology
Missouri State University
Springfield, MO 65804

Telephone: 417-836-5166
E-mail: chrisbarnhart@missouristate.edu
Office: 219 Temple Hall

Research Interests:

I'm interested in the ecology and physiology of animals, particularly freshwater invertebrates.  Some areas of current  research are outlined below:

UNIONID MUSSELS:  This is probably the most endangered group of organisms in North America.  Many freshwater organisms are in trouble, but mussels are attracting particular attention from biologists and conservation agencies because they are sensitive to so many of problems affecting streams, including pollution, erosion, siltation, impoundment, and the introduction of alien species such as zebra mussels.

The larvae of unionoid mussels are briefly parasitic on fish, and much of our research is directed at understanding the fish host relationships of endangered mussels as well as the environmental requirements of the juveniles. Mussels have amazing strategies for attracting host fish- have a look at the Unio Gallery.                                                                                                   Scaleshell, Leptodea leptodon

AMPHIPODS: These small crustaceans are significant components of freshwater ecosystems. We have studied the tolerance of one species, Gammarus pseudolimnaeus, for conditions below hydropower dams, particularly hypoxia and fluctuating water levels.  Like freshwater mussels, amphipods also have fascinating reproductive habits, including brooding of the eggs and young in a marsupium. Females carrying young are particularly sensitive to environmental stresses.  We are presently investigating the mechanisms that provide oxygen and food to the developing brood.

Maera masteri

AMPHIBIAN EGGS:  Frogs and salamanders reproduce in small ponds where oxygen levels fluctuate dramatically. In some species development is slowed and hatching is delayed by low oxygen, while in others hatching is accelerated, and the embryos emerge from the eggs at a very early stage of development.

An especially remarkable adaptation is the symbiosis between the eggs of spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) and a green alga which lives within the egg and elevates the oxygen concentration through photosynthesis.

Egg mass of Ambystoma maculatum

A Publication list is available.

COURSES

Biology 121, General Biology I
(Fall and Spring semesters)

Biology 121 is the first half of a two-semester biology sequence. It is the first course in the required "core curriculum" for biology majors and is intended for students who plan to take further coursework in the life sciences, including biology majors and minors, wildlife majors, premedical students and others. Biology 121 introduces molecular and cellular biology, genetics, and evolution.  The second course in the sequence (Biology 122) covers biological diversity, physiology and ecology. Students desiring a one-semester introductory Biology course for general education purposes should consider Biology 102, Survey of Biology.

Biology 370: Invertebrate Zoology
Fall semester: 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab weekly; field trips including 4 day Gulf Coast trip

The main theme of Bio 370 is animal biodiversity. We consider the anatomy, physiology, behavior, and life history of most of the animal and protist phyla and review the principles of evolutionary biology, phylogeny, and the history of life on earth. Comparative biology is another important theme- we compare the various groups for rules of similarity and general principles in biology. Who should take this course? People who are truly interested in organisms and who have a strong background in Biology, including genetics, cell biology, and ecology. If you plan to go into teaching, Biology 370 is a useful course.   If you are thinking about graduate school and want more breadth to help you find your interests- this is a good course.  Bio 370 is also relevant to those interested in medicine, because invertebrate parasites of man and domestic animals have tremendous medical, economic & social significance.

Biology 628: The Fire of Life: Respiration Physiology
Alternate Spring semesters

Fire of Life is a graduate level course in the physiology of respiration and gas exchange. We explore why and how organisms exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with their environment, and how these processes shape the anatomy, behavior, and ecology of organisms. The first 2/3 of the course consists of lectures and demonstrations. The rest of the course meetings are devoted to student-led discussions of selected topics from the primary literature.

About the Biology Department at Missouri State

The Biology Department at Missouri State consists of 20 faculty, about 50 graduate students, and 450 undergraduate majors.  Several of the faculty, including myself, are particularly interested in aquatic biology.  Our physical location in the Ozarks provides access to a variety of habitats, including many excellent streams, rivers, and lakes.  We are currently developing a field station for teaching and research at Bull Shoals Lake.  Inquiries from prospective students (BS, MS) are welcome!

Last update: 09/06/05.