Course Description
The course will examine the comparative anatomy, physiology and behaviour of a wide range of animal groups as evolutionary solutions to common functional problems. Topics will include locomotion, respiration, circulation, digestion, excretion and reproduction
Course Content
- OVERVIEW OF ANIMAL CLASSIFICATION
- Introduction of the major animal phyla and characteristics for each
- GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT & SUPPORT
- Consideration of different types of skeletons (hydrostatic; exo- & endo-skeletons)
- Comparison of the advantages & disadvantages of each skeletal type and the relationship to the specific lifestyle / habitat of different organisms
- Growth & development
- LOCOMOTION
- Introduction to muscle action & basic biomechanics
- Examination of specific types of locomotion (e.g. creeping/crawling; burrowing; running; swimming; jumping; flight) and the adaptations exhibited by different animals to achieve movement (e.g. skeletal adaptations).
- RESPIRATORY MECHANISMS
- The necessity for respiratory structures and an examination of their efficiency
- Comparison of various mechanisms of respiratory exchange (with reference to anatomy of structures, respiratory requirements, lifestyle, habitat)
- Aquatic vs. terrestrial respiratory mechanisms
- Diffusion, diffusion rates, counter-current exchange
- CIRCULATORY SYSTEMS
- Presence or absence of circulatory system
- Functions of circulatory systems
- Open vs. closed systems
- Single vs. double systems
- Comparison of circulatory fluids, cell types, oxygen carrying capacity
- TEMPERATURE, SEASONS & CLIMATE
- Ectotherms and endotherms
- Adaptations to temperature change, seasonality & climate
- Homeostasis and acclimatization
- FOOD ACQUISITION & DIGESTION
- Food (prey) location & selection
- Herbivores vs. carnivores
- Variations in nutrient acquisition
- EXCRETION
- Examination of different excretory pathways, structures & end products (ammonia; urea; uric acid)
- Comparison of modes of excretion in relation to lifestyle & habitat
- Osmoregulation
- NERVOUS SYSTEMS
- Sensory physiology (e.g. chemoreception)
- Evolution of nervous systems
- Nerve networks, information processing, memory & biological clocks
- REPRODUCTION
- Asexual vs. sexual reproduction
- Gamete production
- Fertilization mechanisms (internal vs. external)
- Mechanisms & structures involved in sexual reproduction
- Reproductive strategies & mating behaviour
- Development (direct vs. indirect)
Learning Activities
- Lecture
- Laboratory activities
- Discussion groups
- Readings from scientific journal articles
- Guest lectures
- Group project (e.g. research paper on a topic of current interest)
Means of Assessment
| Class tests and assignments |
20% |
| Laboratory |
20% |
| Term exams |
25% |
| Final exam |
35% |
| Total |
100% |
Learning Outcomes
- To understand the general principles of animal classification and describe the characteristics of the major animal phyla.
- To gain an appreciation for the diversity of animal forms and understand the unity which exists within this diversity.
- To explore anatomical and physiological principles by studying form and function relationships
- To describe how organisms interact with their environments and how environmental conditions modulate these interactions through adaptive mechanisms
- To understand how the scientific method is used to advance our knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology
- To be able to use the general principles of biology to discuss current issues and ideas.
Textbook Materials
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students:
Any suitable comparative zoology textbook