BIODIVERSITY OF ANIMAL BIOCENOSES

In summary: In-depth study of issues related to the biodiversity of the animal component of ecosystems; acquisition of skills for the estimation of animal biodiversity; analysis of the main types of risks that cause loss of biodiversity of wildlife, natural and semi-natural environments; skills aimed at safeguarding biodiversity. 

Dublin Descriptors: 

1)     Knowledge and understanding 

To acquire in-depth knowledge on animal biodiversity from the intraspecific to the community level, and on the threats to which it is subjected. 

Understand the criteria for studying and evaluating animal biodiversity. 

To know the spatial (and, in part, temporal) distribution of animal biodiversity and the typical communities of various model habitats. 

Deepen the basic methodologies on taxonomic recognition and characterization of animal communities.

2)     Ability to apply knowledge 

Autonomously apply the principles learned on taxonomic and animal community recognition, to apply them to any specimen/community the learner will encounter in the future. 

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

Carry out in-depth wildlife environmental analyses (also integrating with skills from other disciplines). 

3)     Judgement autonomy

To be able to critically evaluate (integrating, where necessary, also with skills deriving from other disciplines) wildlife and animal taxonomy data in environmental analysis areas with the integration of ecological and botanical skills. 

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 in a clear and rigorous way concepts of animal biodiversity, taxonomy and wildlife protection (integrating with other disciplines), both in written and oral form. 

To present and discuss the results of wildlife and wildlife protection analyses with particular attention to the use of appropriate scientific terminology. 

Communicate effectively with specialists and non-specialists in the field of animal biodiversity, taxonomy and ecology (also integrating with other disciplines). 

5)     Learning skills 

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

To be able to keep up to date with new technologies for taxonomic, faunal and ecological zoological analyses (also integrating with skills from other disciplines) also for environmental protection purposes.

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Frontal lessons, exercises in the classroom and in the field. 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.

The animal biodiversity in its various levels. Concepts of fauna, areal and endemisms. Adaptations and ecologic roles of the major animal taxa. The diversity of soil, cave, vegetation, freshwater, and sea fauna, especially in typical Mediterranean environments. Urban biodiversity. Patterns of biodiversity. The concept of hotspots and coldspots. Characterization of the Italian fauna.  Human society development and landscape transformation; effects on fauna and habitat. Extinctions. Minimum vital population assessment. The main causes of extinction. Evaluation of the extinction risks. Examples of fauna censuses. Principles of fauna conservation. Zoogeography.

1) The levels of biodiversity;

2) the extinctions;

3) the causes of biodiversity loss;

4) Hot spots and cold spots;

5) Characteristics and biocenosis of marine/water-water/soil/cave/vegetation environments.

6) Zoogeography.