Invertebrate Zoology

Curriculum guideline

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Course
BIOL 3610
Discontinued
No
Course code
BIOL 3610
Descriptive
Invertebrate Zoology
Department
Biology
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
5.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester length
15
Max class size
28
Contact hours

Lecture: 4 hours/week

Lab: 3 hours/week

Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Lab
Learning activities

Merhods of instruction for this course will include some or all of the following:

  • Lectures
  • Laboratory activities
  • Discussion groups
  • Readings from scientific journal articles
  • Guest lectures
  • Projects (e.g. poster presentation, research paper presentation on a topic of current interest)
Course description
The course will examine the comparative biology of invertebrates in an evolutionary and phylogenetic context, with an emphasis on functional morphology. Topics will include an introduction to invertebrate systematics, a comparative study of systems for locomotion, nervous and sensory perception, feeding, digestion, excretion, growth, circulation, respiration and reproduction. Given the incredible diversity of invertebrates, the course will focus on a selection of invertebrate phyla.
Course content

The content below follows a functional morphology approach. The instructor may instead choose to integrate this material in a comprehensive taxonomic treatment of representative invertebrate phyla.

1. OVERVIEW OF INVERTEBRATE CLASSIFICATION

  • Introduction to phylogenetics
  • Introduction to the major invertebrate phyla and characteristics of each
  • Introduction to the functional morphology approach
  • Diversity and distribution of invertebrates

2. SENSORY & NERVOUS SYSTEMS

  • Evolution of sensory systems
  • Basic sensory and nervous physiology
  • Use of nervous/sensory structures and sensory modalities
  • Communication and social behaviour in relation to sensory perception

3. LOCOMOTION & SUPPORT

  • Introduction of main locomotory and support structures (e.g. skeleton, muscles, appendages)
  • Biomechanics and behavioural characteristics of movement
  • Examination of specific types of locomotion (e.g. crawling, walking, flight, burrowing, swimming, jumping) and the adaptations exhibited by different taxa to achieve movement
  • Dispersal biology

4. FOOD ACQUISITION, FEEDING, DIGESTION & EXCRETION

  • Modes of resource selection and use
  • Examination of feeding modalities and behaviours (e.g. predation, parasitism, herbivory, filter feeding) and the corresponding evolutionary adaptations
  • Considerations related to the variation in nutrient acquisition
  • Anatomy and physiology of the different feeding apparatuses
  • Comparative physiology of digestion & metabolism
  • Examination of different excretory pathways, structures and end products
  • Comparison of modes of excretion in relation to lifestyle and habitat
  • Osmoregulation and water balance

5. CIRCULATORY & RESPIRATORY SYSTEMS

  • Comparison of structure and function of circulatory systems in relation to lifestyle and habitat
  • Comparison of the structure and function of different mechanisms of respiratory exchange in relation to lifestyle and habitat
  • Examination of the relative efficiencies of different circulatory and respiratory systems
  • Considerations related to aquatic vs. terrestrial vs. airborne lifestyles
  • Relevant modes of gas and fluid transport (diffusion, diffusion rates, exchange processes)
  • Thermoregulatory mechanisms and relevant adaptations to temperature changes, climate and seasons
  • Homeostatic mechanisms

6. REPRODUCTION & GROWTH

  • Comparison of reproductive structures and systems
  • Modes of reproduction and reproductive strategies
  • Comparison of mating tactics and behaviours in relation to lifestyle and habitat
  • Fertilization mechanisms and embryological development
  • Processes of maturation and mechanisms of growth
  • Nesting and parenting behaviours
Learning outcomes

After completing this course, the successful student will be able to:

  1. Describe the general principles of invertebrate classification and phylogeny, and characteristics of the major invertebrate phyla.
  2. Explain the diversity of invertebrate forms and compare and contrast the unity which exists within this diversity.
  3. Explore anatomical and physiological principles by studying form and function relationships in an evolutionary context.
  4. Describe how invertebrates interact with their environments and how environmental conditions modulate these interactions through adaptive mechanisms.
  5. Indicate how the scientific method is used to advance our knowledge of invertebrate anatomy and physiology.
  6. Use the general principles of biology to discuss current issues and ideas in invertebrate biology.
Means of assessment

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 assignments 25-35
Final laboratory examination 10-15
Final examination 25-35
TOTAL 100
Textbook materials

The student should consult the Bookstore for the latest required course materials or textbook. Example textbooks and materials may include:

Pechenik, J. Biology of the Invertebrates (current edition).

Ruppert et al. Invertebrate Zoology: A Functional Evolutionary Approach (current edition).

Prerequisites

BIOL 1110 and 1210 both with C- or better, or BIOL 1310 with C- or better, or permission of the instructor

Which prerequisite

None