ANATOMIA COMPARATA ED EVOLUZIONE BIOLOGICA 3Module ANATOMIA COMPARATA
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: VENERA FERRITOExpected Learning Outcomes
The teaching aims to provide an insight into the anatomical and morpho-functional organization of vertebrates through a comparative approach . Macro and microscopic characters of organs will be analyzed within an evolutionary context. The theoretical description of each apparatus will be accompanied by the analysis of anatomical models during practical laboratories. The students will then have to acquire detailed knowledges morpho-functional of vertebrates using the basic concepts of comparative surveys as scientific methodology.
Expected results
Knowledge and understanding – By the end of the course, students should demonstrate an understanding of the anatomical and morpho-functional organisation of the groups belonging to the subphylum of Vertebrates, from a comparative and evolutionary perspective. They should be familiar with the fundamental stages of embryonic development, from gametogenesis to organogenesis, in vertebrates. Identify the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the various organ systems. Interpret the morphological diversity of vertebrates within an appropriate phylogenetic context.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding – By the end of the course, students should be able to use the methodological concepts of comparative analysis as a scientific tool to analyse animal anatomical structures; to correlate the concepts of descriptive anatomy and embryology in order to interpret the stages and mechanisms of vertebrate evolution; to apply knowledge of descriptive anatomy and organ function in the recognition and description of anatomical specimens and models observed during laboratory sessions. Apply models of circulation, respiration and osmoregulation to explain the adaptation of different taxa to specific environments (freshwater, marine or terrestrial environments).
Independent judgement – By the end of the course, students must demonstrate that they are able to independently assess the biological and ecological mechanisms that drive evolutionary and adaptive processes in animals; to interpret structural changes in organs as functional responses to selective pressures from the environment; and to form critical judgements on the relationships of homology and analogy between the anatomical components of different classes of vertebrates.
Communication skills – By the end of the course, students must be able to present the morpho-functional diversity of vertebrates within a phylogenetic context in a clear, rigorous and structured manner; to use the specific technical and scientific terminology of comparative anatomy and developmental biology appropriately; and to describe complex biological processes using appropriate scientific language.
Learning skills – By the end of the course, students should have developed the ability to independently consult and study advanced scientific texts on anatomy, as well as the capacity to keep their methodological knowledge up to date by integrating macroscopic anatomical knowledge with the findings of new research conducted in the fields of molecular embryology and phylogeny
Course Structure
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
1. Example of a multiple-choice question:
What are placodes (1 correct answer):
a) Thickening of the endoderm located in the head and neck region
b) Sensory cells associated with the sense organs
c) Vesicles associated with the sense organs
d. Thickening of the ectoderm located in the head and neck region
2. Example of an open-ended question:
Describe the various stages of metanephros organogenesis.