BIOL 306 Vertebrate Zoology (Lec/Lab)
A study of the diversity of the various vertebrate classes. The physical characteristics used to define classes, the physiological adaptations to the environment, and the evolutionary history of representative species of each class as documented in the fossil record will be explored. Topics presented in lecture will be supplemented by various hands-on laboratory exercises.
Prerequisite
BIOL 151 and junior standing, or permission
Offered
Spring, odd years
Student Learning Outcomes
- Discuss basic evolutionary concepts and principles such as variability, heritability, fitness, natural selection, adaptation, microevolution, and adaptive radiation
- Describe the phylogenetic relationships among the Phylum Chordata and subphylum vertebrata. Discuss the characteristics unique to each group and demonstrate how those characteristics relate to each group's evolutionary history/success
- Describe the basic vertebrate body plan and the evolutionary adaptations associated with each vertebrate class
- Define, comprehend, and use the terminology specific to vertebrate biology and vertebrate history
- Understand basic phylogenetic systematics
- Describe the key unifying characteristics of major vertebrate clades
- Compare morphology, physiology, behavior and ecology across vertebrate clades
- Describe general vertebrate adaptations to life in water and life in land