Reproductive biology, behavioural ecology, phylogeny, systematics and geographic distribution of living vertebrates. Evolutionary history and radiation of vertebrates.
Pough F.H. et al. 2001. Zoologia dei vertebrati (seconda edizione). Casa editrice ambrosiana.
Learning Objectives
Knowledge acquired:
Origins of vertebrates. Basic structure and adaptive traits of the major classes.
Competence acquired:
Ability to describe evolutionary history and radiation of vertebrates by reference to environmental features.
Skills acquired (at the end of the course):
Ability to discuss vertebrate phylogeny and systematics.
Prerequisites
Courses required:
-Biologia e Zoologia generale
-Zoologia II
Anatomia comparata
Teaching Methods
Total hours of the course (including the time spent in attending lectures, seminars, private study, examinations, etc...): 150 (=6x25)
Hours reserved to private study and other indivual formative activities: 102
Contact hours for: Lectures (hours): 48
Further information
Frequency of lectures, practice and lab:
not required
Teaching tools:
Textbooks are listed in the course program and are available at the University Libraries.
Lessons are supported by electronic slides. Both lessons and laboratory procedures are given to students in electronic form during the course.
Websites of interest are also indicated to students
Type of Assessment
oral examination
Course program
Organization of Chordata and origin of Vertebrates.
Agnatha. Origins, general characteristics and behavioural ecology of extinct and living forms. Systematics and geographic distribution of Petromyzoniformes and Myxiniformes.
Gnathostomata. The primitive aquatic forms and the evolutionary radiation of gnathostomes. Adaptive value of jaws and paired fins. Basic features of Antiarchi, Arthrodira and Acanthodii. The modern aquatic forms: Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes. Sense organs, reproductive biology. Systematics, behavioural ecology and geographic distribution. The evolutionary success of Teleostei.
Amphibia. Origins and basic structure of earliest tetrapods. Structural organization of modern amphibians and their reproductive biology. Systematics, behavioural ecology and geographic distribution.
Reptilia. Origins, structural characteristics and evolutionary radiation. Reproductive biology and adaptive value of amnion. Systematics, behavioural ecology and geographic distribution.
Aves. Origins and general features. The feather: structure and function. Origin of the powered flight. Respiratory system and thermoregulation. Behavioural ecology and reproductive biology. Systematics and geographic distribution.
Mammalia. Origins and structural features. Hair origin and thermoregulation. Mammary gland and vivipary evolution. Evolution of the heterodont dentition. Systematics, behavioural ecology and geographic distribution.