2024
Vertebrates Biology
Name: Vertebrates Biology
Code: BIO02688L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Biology
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Presentation
We unveil the secret of the evolutionary success of lampreys, sharks, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, and how land colonization and the conquest of the skies took place from the water.
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
To help students acquire the basic knowledge regarding the study of vertebrates, and understand the anatomical and functional evolution resulting from the adaptation to new environmental conditions. To assist students in vocabulary development, particularly in what concerns systematic and vertebrate taxonomy. To develop the students? skills to observe, identify and manipulate vertebrates in the field and in the laboratory. To help the students in the selection and interpretation of scientific bibliography related with the biology of vertebrates. Students will be encouraged to present the results of their work in the form of reports (oral and printed) and interact with the other students in debates.
Contents
1. Levels of organization, morphological and functional characteristics, classification and general characteristics of the vertebrates.
2. Classification and phylogeny of the Agnatha.
3. Definition and classification of the Chondrichthyes.
4. Definition, classification, evolutionary history and diversity of the Osteichthyes.
5. Origin, classification and phylogeny of Amphibia.
6. Origin and Adaptive Radiation of Reptilian Groups.
7. Definition and classification of the birds.
8. Definition and classification of the mammals.
2. Classification and phylogeny of the Agnatha.
3. Definition and classification of the Chondrichthyes.
4. Definition, classification, evolutionary history and diversity of the Osteichthyes.
5. Origin, classification and phylogeny of Amphibia.
6. Origin and Adaptive Radiation of Reptilian Groups.
7. Definition and classification of the birds.
8. Definition and classification of the mammals.
Teaching Methods
Theoretical lectures that students should attend.
Practical sessions where students are encouraged to identify and manipulate vertebrates fresh or preserved. During the field visits the students will have the opportunity to observe the animals in their natural environments.
The practical component of this course can take advantage of the laboratorial infrastructures that are available at the CIEMAR (Pólo de Sines) and other campus of the University of Évora, namely, the the Pólo da Mitra.
Evaluation: Theoretical Module- Written exam (40%); Practical Module- Experimental exam (40%); Study visits- written report (20%).
Practical sessions where students are encouraged to identify and manipulate vertebrates fresh or preserved. During the field visits the students will have the opportunity to observe the animals in their natural environments.
The practical component of this course can take advantage of the laboratorial infrastructures that are available at the CIEMAR (Pólo de Sines) and other campus of the University of Évora, namely, the the Pólo da Mitra.
Evaluation: Theoretical Module- Written exam (40%); Practical Module- Experimental exam (40%); Study visits- written report (20%).
