FUNDAMENTALS OF ZOOLOGY

Module VERTEBRATES

In summary: Acquisition of the critical recognition skills of the main groups of Hemichordates and Chordates, knowledge of the characteristics ofthe taxa illustrated, and understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms, contextualized to geological eras and periods, which have led to thediversification of the main taxa of Vertebrates.

Dublin descriptors:

1)        Knowledge and understanding

Acquire in-depth knowledge on the biodiversity of Hemichordates, Non-Vertebrate Chordates, and Vertebrates.

Understand the criteria on which the taxonomy and animal systematics are based.

To know the evolutionary paths that accompanied the origin and radiation of Deuterostomes and in particular of Vertebrates.

To deepen the basic methodologies on the taxonomic recognition of the taxa mentioned above.

 

2)        Ability to apply knowledge

Autonomously apply the learned principles of taxonomic recognition on any animal (of the groups covered in class and workshops) that will be encountered in the future. 

Use bibliographic sources to autonomously deepen taxonomic skills and methodologies at more detailed systematic levels.

Carry out general wildlife analysis (also integrating with skills from other disciplines).

 

3)        Autonomous judgement

To be able to critically evaluate (integrating, where necessary, also with skills deriving from other disciplines) data on animal fauna and taxonomy (for treated taxa), and to compare older analyses with more recent ones, critically understanding the differences.

Interpret, also integrating with skills from other disciplines, the experimental results obtained with a fauna analysis for the purposes of reviews, environmental assessments, etc.

 

4)        Communication skills

To express clearly and rigorously (for the taxa covered during the lessons) concepts of animal evolution, taxonomy and systematics, both in written and oral form.

Present and discuss the results of wildlife reports or taxonomic reviews (for taxa covered during lectures), with particular attention to the use of appropriate scientific terminology.

Communicate effectively with specialists and non-specialists in the field of zoology for the relevant taxa covered in the course of lectures.

 

5)        Learning skills

To develop an autonomous study method to deepen the discipline and its applications in the cultural, educational and environmental analysis/protection fields.

To be able to update on new technologies for taxonomic and zoological faunal analysis (also integrating with skills from other disciplines).

Traditional frontal teaching and exercises.

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus. 

Knowledge acquired during the courses of the first year disciplines, and attendance of the previous invertebrate module.

Mandatory. 

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus. 

Summary on Deuterostomas. The Hemicordates. The Cordati: systematics and their origin and evolution. Origin and evolution of vertebrates. The geological eras. Embryology notes. The Agnati. The first Gnatostoms: Acantodi and Placodermi. Characteristics and systematics of Condroitti, Attinopterigi and Sarcopterigi. Origin of Tetrapods; environmental pressures and pre-adaptations to life on emerged earths. Appearance and radiation of Amphibians. The current Amphibians. The amniotic egg. Origin, general characteristics, adaptive and systematic radiation of Amniotes in general and Reptiles, Birds and Mammals.

Teaching material

The teaching material is shared with students during the course via OneDrive link and also via WhatsApp

Final exam in oral form with recognition of dry or liquid preparations; students are also required to have the ability to draw some diagrams and main sections of animals, regularly illustrated during the course of lessons. The final verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, if the conditions require it. In this case, the recognition of the preparations and the making of drawings will be replaced by recognition of images taken from the lesson slides or equivalent.