Laboratory of zoological metodologies

Academic Year 2023/2024 - Teacher: GIUSEPPE NICOLOSI

Expected Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced skills in the design and implementation of targeted sampling to explore and understand biodiversity across various habitats, at both the biocenosis and individual species levels. Gain proficiency in using key equipment both in the laboratory and in the field. Acquire the ability to critically process and analyze collected data. Understand the fundamental principles of museology, including the conservation and management of biological specimens.

Course Structure

Classroom lectures, laboratory activities in the classroom or in laboratories, and field activities.

Required Prerequisites

General knowledge of zoology, systematics, and ecology.

Attendance of Lessons

Attendance is compulsory.

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

The educational material is shared with students during the course.

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

Oral examination (ongoing) based on the preparation of an in-depth PowerPoint presentation on the topics covered. Final oral exam.

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.

VERSIONE IN ITALIANO

Corso di laurea in

Scienze Ambientali e Naturali