BIOL 382 - Comparative Chordate Anatomy

(4 credits)
Prerequisite: BIOL 225 with a minimum grade of “C-” or consent of instructor
Corequisite: BIOL 382L
This course is designed to introduce students to the major groups of chordates (urochordates, cephalochordates hagfish and lampreys, jawed fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds) based on concepts of ecology and evolutionary biology. In this course, we will examine the distinguishing characteristics (synapomorphies) and evolutionary relationships (phylogeny) among these chordate groups and between vertebrates and other chordates with the used of evolutionary trends, organismal physiology and gross anatomy, ecomorphology, ecophysiology, natural and life history strategies, tree of life and cladistics. We will explore how various chordates and their ancestors function in their environments and how they solve environmental challenges through evolutionary adaptation. Emphasis is placed on ecomorphology and the evolutionary changes in chordate structure, with an analysis of the adaptive significance of these changes in light of our modern knowledge of evolution. We will explore evolutionary adaptations in four distinct but related avenues: morphology, life history, physiology and behavior. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory weekly. Offered alternate spring semesters. Additional fee required.