The aim of the course is to show to the students the evolutionary aspects of Vetebrates in relation to adaptation to the environment and also the systematic and morphological characteristics of the main classes.

Teaching of Biological Evolution and Vertebrate Biology - mod. of Vertebrate Biology - Biological Sciences (L13)- Curriculum Naturalistic- Environmental, second year.

The course will cover the following topics in the order below.

Presentation of the course. General characteristics of the phylum Chordata and its fundamental anatomical scheme. Origin and evolution of Vertebrates. Integumentary apparatus: functions, structure and embryonic origin. Skin of Ittiopsidi and Tetrapoda. Dermis and scales. Epidermis: horny scales, claws, nails, hooves. Structure of feathers and hair. Skull skeleton: neurocranium, splanchnocranium and dermatocranium. Neurocranium: basic pattern and ossification processes. Splanchnocranium: structure and evolution from Fishes to Tetrapoda. Cranial suspensions and evolutionary aspects. Dermatocraniun:  general scheme and evolution. Interactions with other parts of the skull. Axial skeleton:  vertebrae of Ittiopsidi and Tetrapoda. Specializations in regions of the spinal column of Ittiopsidi and Tetrapoda. The ribs and sternum. Appendicular skeleton: paired fins of Ittiopsidi. Origin of the tetrapod limb. Pectoral and pelvic girdle  and limbs of Tetrapoda.  Adataptions for fly,  swim,  run and  jump. Respiratory system: embryonic origin and functions. Gills of Fishes and Amphibia. Saccular and parenchymatous lungs. Pulmonary ventilation. Swim bladder: structure and functions. Cardiovascular apparatus: generality, simple and double, incomplete and complete circulation. Heart of Fishes and Tetrapoda, morphogenesis, structural and evolutionary aspects. Evolution of the embryonic aortic arches. Digestive system: embryonic origin. Oral cavity, tongue and teeth. Types of teeth and dentitions. Pharynx and its derivatives. Esophagus:  peculiar aspects. Stomach: generality and specializations. Intestine of Fishes and Tetrapoda, morphological and functional aspects. Urogenital apparatus: pronephros, mesonephros, metanephros. Embryonic origin and structural and evolutionary aspects. Relations between the urinary and genital tracts. Gonads differentiation. Cystic and tubular testicules. Saccular and compact ovaries. Nervous system: generality of peripheral and autonomic  nervous system. Evolution and morphology of Telencephalon, Diencephalon and Cerebellum in Vertebrates. Spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Agnatha, Chondrichthyes, Osteichthyes, Amphibia, Reptilia,  Aves and Mammalia: systematics and main characteristics of the different orders of the single classes.

Is recommended prerequisites with Animal Biology

D1- KNOWLEDGE AND CAPACITY OF UNDERSTANDING: In order to pass the exam the student  must prove to  have acquired an advanced level of theoretical knowledge in the field of Vertebrate biology that will help him understand the mechanisms and the actual and historical causes of Vertebrate distribution and adaptations.

D2-ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING: The student must demonstrate that he had acquired the abilities to use the knowledge independently for understand and describe the adaptations of Vertebrate in relation to the environment.

D3-AUTONOMY OF JUDGEMENT: The student will have acquired knowledge allowing him to recognize the mechanisms and causes of the distribution and the adaptations of Vertebrates.

D4-COMMUNICATION SKILLS: The student must demonstrate to own and know how to use the correct scientific language and the terminology that the discipline offers.

D5-CAPACITY of LEARNING: The student must prove able to examine and understand scientific texts.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer  and specific communications from the lecturer can be found inside the Moodle platform. There are no activities to support teaching.

Teaching

Frontal lessons

Course books

Erminio Giavini, Elena Menegola. Manuale di Anatomia Comparata. Casa Editrice EdiSES

F. Harvey Pough, Christine M. Janis, John b. Heiser. Zoologia dei Vertebrati. Casa Editrice Pearson

Assessment

Oral exam. Evaluation criteria: 

- pertinence and effectiveness of the responses in relation to the contents of the program

- level of articulation of the answer

- adequacy of the disciplinary language used

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Non-attending students must consult the teaching material uploaded on Moodle, through which it will be possible to deepen the study of the books indicated in the section 'Testi di Studio'. 

Course books

Erminio Giavini, Elena Menegola. Manuale di Anatomia Comparata. Casa Editrice EdiSES

F. Harvey Pough, Christine M. Janis, John b. Heiser. Zoologia dei Vertebrati. Casa Editrice Pearson

Assessment

Oral exam. 

Evaluation criteria: 

- pertinence and effectiveness of the responses in relation to the contents of the program

- level of articulation of the answer

- adequacy of the disciplinary language used

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.