Ichthiology

Objectives

1. Identifies and locates the main anatomical and morphological structures of bony and cartilaginous fish.

2. Defines basic concepts of Ichthyology.

3. Describes the overall panorama of vertebrate evolution, from the origin of chordates to the emergence of tetrapods.

4. Explains the morphological changes that occurred throughout the evolution of fish, as well as the evolutionary success and/or extinction of various groups.

5. Describes, in a general way, aspects of the functional biology of fish (locomotion, respiration, osmoregulation, feeding, and reproduction).

6. Explains the basic methods used to determine some parameters of fish biology.

7. Autonomously applies laboratory and field procedures to fish communities in the Azores.

8. Indicates important functions of fish in ecosystems.

9. Recognizes the interrelationships between the biology and ecology of a species based on the analysis of its anatomy and morphology.

10. Gives examples of how fish have shaped and continue to shape the history, the economy, and the environment, and critically analyses controversial arguments related to fish.

Program

1. Introduction: scope of ichthyology, natural history, diversity of fish and main habitats.
2. Origin and evolution of fish. Anatomical modifications that occurred throughout evolution.
3. Classification and phylogeny of fish. Main characteristics of current and extinct fish groups: Ostracoderms, Placoderms, Cyclostomes, Chondrichthyes, Actinopterygii and Sarcopterygii.

4. Characteristics of the first agnathostome fishes and extant representatives.
5. Origin and evolution of extant gnathostome fishes. Anatomical and morphological comparison of the main
groups of extant gnathostome fishes: Chondrichthyes and Actinopterygii.
6. General characteristics of fish integument: functions and modifications that have occurred throughout
evolution. Particular characteristics of the integument of Chondrichthyes and Actinopterygii.
7. Origin and evolution of Sarcopterygian fishes towards tetrapods. Adaptations of current Sarcopterygian
fishes.
8. Variations in the morphology and external and internal anatomy of fishes and ecology.
9. Conservation and threats to fishes: habitat loss, invasive species, climate change, conservation strategies.
10. The application of ichthyological methods in the laboratory is done using the observation of crosssections of the integuments of Chondrichthyes and Actinopterygii, the observation of different types of scales,and specific identification and dissections of individuals of various fish species. The application of ichthyological methods in the field is based on fish sampling (visual censuses).

Teaching Methodologies

Drawing inspiration from the "flipped classroom" concept, the necessary bibliography is available through the course unit page on Moodle, with reading guides and additional resources provided. Students are asked to study the content in anticipation of the theoretical classes. These are conducted interactively, seeking to explore the higher levels of Bloom's taxonomy. Practical activities reinforce the theoretical component and are geared towards developing skills with professional relevance in the field. Lecturers are available for any clarification during office hours and permanently through Moodle.

Bibliography

CAILLIET, G. M., M. S. LOVE., EBELING. A. W. 1986. Fishes: A Field and Laboratory Manual on TheirStructure,
Identification, and Natural History. Original publisher: Wadsworth Publishing Company, Belmont, CA; present publisher: Waveland Press, Prospect Heights.
COLBERT, E. H., MORALES, M., MINKOFF, E. C. 2001. Colbert´s Evolution of the Vertebrates: a history of the backboned animals through time. 5th ed. Wiley-Liss. New York.
FACEY, D. E., BOWEN, B.W., COLLETE, B. B., HELFMAN, G. S. 2023.The Diversity of Fishes: Biology, Evolution, and Ecology.5nd ed. Wiley. New York.

HUBBS, C. L., LAGLER, K. F.1958. Fishes of the Great Lakes Region. 2nd ed. University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor.
MOYLE, P.B. AND J.J. CECH JR. 2004. Fishes, an Introduction to Ichthyology. 5th ed Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.
KÜKENTHAL, W., MATTHES, E., RENNER, M. 1969. Guia de trabalhos práticos de Zoologia. 15ª ed. Atlântida Editora - S.A.R.L.. Coimbra.

SÍTIOS
Tree of Life: um sítio dedicado à compilação de toda a informação relativa à filogenia da vida na Terra.
History of Life Through Time: semelhante ao anterior, menos especializado, mas mais rico graficamente.
FishBase: tudo o que sempre quis saber sobre qualquer espécie de peixe, mas não sabia onde procurar.
Fish Anatomy:boas ilustrações dos principais aspetos da anatomia dos peixes ósseos.
Google Directory: Chordata
Nota: Em cada aula são sugeridas outras referências bibliográficas, algumas das quais estão disponíveis nos Serviços de Documentação da Universidade dos Açores. Estes Serviços contêm um vasto número de outros livros e artigos de apoio ao estudo dos conteúdos da presente disciplina. Serão também disponibilizados no Moodle capítulos de alguns livros.