1. Get operational concepts of evolution (in particular the processes of speciation in the sea) and of the biological diversity
2. Characterize the morphology and ecology of the major taxonomic groups (divisions and phyla) and frame their phylogenetic relationships
3. Explain how marine biodiversity varied temporally the geological scale, and characterize the current geographic patterns of that biodiversity
4. Relate the current major threats to marine biodiversity conservation, and possible ways of tackling them.
1. Principles of biological evolution and speciation processes in the sea
2. Concept of biological diversity
3. Overview of phylogeny (classification of living organisms, with an emphasis on algae and animals). Morphological, ecological and reproductive diversity of major taxonomic groups
4. Temporal patterns of biodiversity at the geological scale (addressing extinctions and the evolution of biodiversity over time)
5. Spatial patterns of marine biodiversity (from the poles to the tropics)
6. Threats to marine biodiversity.
A theoretical and practical typology was chosen for teaching this course since it is considered to be much more didactic to study the biodiversity having the greatest possible contact with it. Thus, students will take field trips and manipulate organisms (fresh or in collections) where indicated and logistically possible. The evaluation will be based on two theoretical and practical tests.
Gaston KJ & Spicer JI, 2009. Biodiversity: an introduction. John Wiley & Sons.
Goulletquer P, Gros P, Boeuf G & Weber J, 2014. Biodiversity in the Marine Environment. Springer.
Graham LE & Wilcox LW, 2000. Algae. Prentice Hall, New Jersey.
Hickman et al., 2013. Integrated Principles of Zoology. McGraw-Hill
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