ZOO 3307 - Vertebrate Zoology

College of Natural Sciences

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 47
Effective Term Spring 2015 (495)

Requisites

Prerequisite BSC 2011 with a minimum grade of C and
Prerequisite BSC 2011L with a minimum grade of C and
Pre- or Co-requisite ZOO 3307L with a minimum grade of C

Course Description

The major emphasis of this course focuses on the classification, evolution and biodiversity of vertebrates. Coverage of each taxonomic group will include discussion of characteristics, systematics, taxonomy, evolution, paleontology, biogeography and unique morphological, physiological, ecological and behavioral adaptations. (Note: Credit is only given for both ZOO 3307C or (ZOO 3307/ZOO 3307L)).

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will illustrate the taxonomic classification of vertebrates by:
    1. describing the major groups of vertebrates and their sub-groups.
    2. describing the key characteristics of each vertebrate group.
    3. explaining the inter-relationships between the major vertebrate groups.
  2. The student will reconstruct the evolutionary history of vertebrates by:
    1. generating and interpreting vertebrate cladograms.
    2. comparing and contrasting plausible phylogenetic relationships of vertebrate taxa.
    3. examining connections between earth’s history and vertebrate evolution.
    4. evaluating morphological, zoogeographical, and paleontological data to analyze evolutionary relationships.
  3. The student will differentiate between the major vertebrate groups by:
    1. describing the relationship of vertebrates to other animal taxa.
    2. describing basic vertebrate structure.
    3. comparing and contrasting the features of fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
    4. describing classes, sub-classes and orders of vertebrates.
  4. The student will analyze vertebrate adaptations for aquatic and terrestrial environments by:
    1. differentiating between the challenges of an aquatic and terrestrial existence.
    2. comparing and contrasting morphological traits associated with feeding, reproduction, respiration, excretion, communication and locomotion.
    3. comparing and contrasting physiological traits associated with homeostatic water and ion balance, temperature regulation, gas exchange, internal transport, waste removal and communication.
    4. comparing and contrasting behavioral traits associated with temperature regulation, defense mechanisms, reproduction and sociality.
  5. The student will evaluate the ecology, biodiversity and conservation biology of vertebrates by:
    1. exploring concepts of population growth, population dynamics, interactions between populations and community dynamics applied to vertebrates.
    2. comparing and contrasting the major biomes of the earth with an emphasis on vertebrate diversity.
    3. differentiating between the various components of biodiversity and their relative importance.
    4. compiling and analyzing evidence on threats to specific vertebrates.
    5. assessing recovery plans for specific vertebrates.
    6. synthesizing a plausible recovery plan for a vertebrate species based on historical and biological data analysis and projections.
    7. applying biological concepts to the management of vertebrate populations.
  6. The student will evaluate methods for studying vertebrates by:
    1. illustrating methods to study animal physiology.
    2. comparing and contrasting methods for behavioral studies.
    3. differentiating techniques for studying populations and ecosystems.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 70% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

C&I Approval: 05/16/2014, BOT Approval: 10/21/2014, Effective Term: Spring 2015 (495)

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