Lecture: 4 hours/week
Lab: 3 hours/week
Methods of instruction for this course will include some or all of the following:
- Lectures
- Laboratory activities
- Group discussions
- Readings from scientific journal articles
- Project (e.g. research paper on a topic of current interest, poster presentations)
1. OVERVIEW OF VERTEBRATE CLASSIFICATION
- Introduction of the major vertebrate phyla and characteristics for each
- Introduction to vertebrate phylogenetics
- Diversity and distribution of vertebrates
- Biological design principles linking form and function
2. NERVOUS & SENSORY SYSTEMS
- Evolution and organization of nervous systems
- Basic neural and sensory physiology
- General and special sensory organs
- Communication and social behaviour
3. PROTECTION, SUPPORT & LOCOMOTION
- Integumentary adaptations
- Skeletal system adaptations and types of movement (e.g. crawling; burrowing; running; swimming; jumping; flight)
- Introduction to muscle action and basic biomechanics
4. FOOD ACQUISITION & DIGESTION
- Vertebrate feeding mechanisms, specializations of teeth and jaws
- Functional components of the digestive system
- Digestion in herbivores vs. carnivores
5. RESPIRATORY & CIRCULATORY SYSTEMS
- Comparison of various respiratory organs
- Diffusion rates and counter-current exchange
- Evolution of swim bladders
- Water to land transition; aquatic vs. terrestrial respiratory mechanisms
- Comparison of vertebrate cardiovascular systems
- Matching heart structure and blood flow with environmental demands
- Structure and function of the lymphatic system
6. EXCRETION
- Comparison of vertebrate kidney structure and function
- Comparison of modes of excretion in relation to lifestyle & habitat
- Osmoregulation – regulating water and salt balance
7. TEMPERATURE, SEASONS & CLIMATE
- Ectotherms and endotherms
- Structures and mechanisms involved in thermoregulation
- Homeostasis and acclimatization
- Adaptations for extreme climates: adaptive heterothermy, thermogenesis and freeze-tolerance
8. REPRODUCTION & GROWTH
- Reproductive strategies & behaviours
- Fertilization mechanisms (internal vs. external)
- Mechanisms and structures involved in sexual reproduction
- Early development and comparative embryology
- Oviparity vs viviparity and parenting behaviour
After completing this course, the succesful student will be able to:
- Describe the general principles of vertebrate classification and phylogeny, and characteristics of the major chordate taxa.
- Explain the diversity of vertebrate forms and compare and contrast the unity which exists within this diversity.
- Explore anatomical and physiological principles by studying form and function relationships in an evolutionary context.
- Describe how organisms interact with their environments and how environmental conditions modulate these interactions through adaptive mechanisms.
- Indicate how the scientific method is used to advance our knowledge of vertebrate anatomy and physiology.
- Use the general principles of biology to discuss current issues and ideas.
Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:
| MEANS OF ASSESSMENT |
MARKS |
| Projects | 10-20 |
| Laboratory assignments | 10-20 |
| In-Class Tests and Assignmentss | 25-35 |
| Final laboratory examination | 10-15 |
| Final examination | 25-35 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
Articles from scientific journals
Pough and Janis, Vertebrate Life (current edition)
Kardong, Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Evolution (current edition)
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