Vertebrate Biology

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Objectives

The main objective of this course is to deepen the knowledge, skills and competences of the students within the biology of Vertebrates, through its active participation in the act of learning, allowing them to integrate the acquisition of scientific knowledge, namely:

Theoretical classes (T)

• understand the morphological and anatomical diversity of Vertebrates;

• identify chronologically the origin, evolutionary success and/or the extinction of Vertebrate groups;

• identify and illustrate the changes that have occurred in the organ systems throughout the evolution of Chordates;

Theoretical-Practical classes (TP)

• lead the students to reflect on the contents and interiorize them more efficiently;

Practical classes (PL)

• illustrate organs, organ systems and identify their functions (Chordates) and locate them spatially in the body;

• demonstrate the proper sequence of procedures and precautions when dissecting a Vertebrate;

• practice dissections of Vertebrates.

Program

T and TP classes

1. Characters origin, evolution, classification and examples of Chordates;

2. Characters, origin, evolution, classification and examples of Vertebrates, Ostracoderms, Acanthodians, Placoderms, Cyclostomes, Chondrichthyes, Sarcopterygians, Actinopterygians, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals.

PL classes

1. External morphology and internal anatomy of specimens of the following groups: Urochordates, Cephalochordates, Cyclostomes, Chondrichthyes, Actinopterygians, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals;

2. Comparative anatomy of specimens: Protochordates and previous mentioned Vertebrates, based on the analysis of microscopic preparations, as well as dissections and dissected models.

Teaching Methodologies

The course will be taught in the classroom environment that will be complemented with asynchronous activities supported by the learning management system platform (Moodle), available at the University of the Azores.

During T, TP and PL classes the expositive, interrogative and demonstrative methods will be applied, respectively. These methods will be supported by multimedia presentations (T, TP) and protocols (PL) illustrative of the objects, concepts and processes being analyzed in this course.

Tutorials will be provided either through face to face support, either through asynchronous assistance in virtual environment. This includes the provision of support materials and development of interactive activities.

Bibliography

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-Lise. New York.

HELFMAN, G.S. COLLETE, B. B., FACEY, D. E., BOWEN, B.W. 2009. The Diversity of Fishes: Biology, Evolution, and Ecology. 2nd ed. Wiley-Blackwell.

HILDEBRAND, M., GEORGE, G. 1998. Analysis of Vertebrate Structure. 5th ed., John Willey & Sons, INC. New York.

KENNETH, V. 2011. Vertebrates. Comparative Anatomy, Function, Evolution. 6th ed. Mcgraw-Hill. Boston.

KENNETH, V., Zalisko, E. J. 2011. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. A Laboratory dissection Guide. 6th ed. Mcgraw- Hill. Boston.

Code

0106019

ECTS Credits

6

Classes

  • Práticas e Laboratórios - 30 hours
  • Teóricas - 30 hours
  • Teórico-Práticas - 15 hours

Evaluation Methodology

  • 4 written tests (two theoretical and two practical): 100%