Vertebrate Biology: Course Description
Vertebrate Biology: Course Objectives and Description
Course Description: (3-2) Cr. 4. Prereq.: credit or enrollment in Biol 202, 202L. Introduction to evolution, biology and classification of vertebrates, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. This course emphasizes a comparative approach to vertebrates examining the circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, skeletal, reproductive, digestive, and nervous systems. Selected aspects of vertebrate biology including evolution, speciation, locomotion, coloration, thermal adaptations, communication and behavior are discussed. Note that the lecture topics focus on a comparative analysis of all vertebrate groups, whereas the lab exercises separately treat the major groups (fishes, reptiles and amphibians, birds, and mammals).
Reading Materials:
Linzey, Donald. 2001. Vertebrate Biology, McGraw Hill Publishers, New York,
New York.
In order to familiarize students with the process of scientific research, discovery, and the transmission of new ideas, three scientific journal articles will also be read and discussed.
Course Objectives:
· Understand the evolutionary relationships among the major groups
of vertebrates
· Become familiar with the processes leading to speciation of vertebrates
· Become familiar with the mechanisms of locomotion in vertebrates
· Become familiar with the structure and function of the muscular,
integumentary, circulatory, respiratory, and endocrine systems among the various
vertebrate groups
· Recognize the principal behavioral processes and adaptations that
influence the lives of vertebrates
· Learn how nervous system control of biological systems and nervous
sensing of the external environment differ among vertebrate groups
· Understand geographic use of space, migration, and navigational methods
· Understand the importance of sex and sexual behavior in the ecology
of vertebrates
· Learn how physiological constraints and adaptations influence the
functioning of vertebrates in various environments
· Learn how feeding mechanisms, alimentary systems and alimentary processes
differ among vertebrate groups
· Become familiar with the processes and cycles involved in population
ecology as they apply to vertebrates
Iowa State University complies with the Americans
with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Any student
who may require an accommodation under such provisions should contact me as
soon as possible, and no later than the end of the first week of class or
as soon as you become aware. No retroactive accommodations will be
provided in this class.
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