Laboratory of zoological metodologies
Academic Year 2023/2024 - Teacher: GIUSEPPE NICOLOSIExpected Learning Outcomes
Course Structure
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
General concepts:
Planning a sampling program. General methodologies. Methods for monitoring terrestrial arthropods. Overview of monitoring amphibians and reptiles. Monitoring of ornithological fauna. Methods for monitoring micromammals. Overview of DNA barcoding and environmental DNA. Preparation of a monitoring report. Introduction to museology. Overview of data collection, visualization, and analysis.
Examples of specialized studies:
Monitoring invertebrate fauna in subterranean habitats. Monitoring soil fauna in an epigean environment. Monitoring araneological fauna using standardized protocols (e.g., COBRA Protocol - Conservation Oriented Biodiversity Rapid Assessment).
Practical activities:
Use of dichotomous keys. Exercises on constructing phylogenetic trees. Soil fauna: extraction, sorting, observation, and identification. Detection of bird fauna through transects at the "Complesso Immacolatelle e Micio Conti" Integral Nature Reserve (San Gregorio di Catania, CT). Sampling of invertebrate fauna at the "Complesso Speleologico Villasmundo - S. Alfio" Integral Nature Reserve. Monitoring activities in a subterranean environment at the "Grotta Monello" Integral Nature Reserve.
Textbook Information
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
- Methods for monitoring vertebrate fauna.
- Methods for monitoring invertebrate fauna.
- Recognition of the tools used for fauna monitoring.
- Sampling techniques in subterranean environments.
- General methods for fauna preparation and preservation.