Learn the characteristics of animal organisms, in particular invertebrates. Understand the origin of the diversity of organisms and be able to recognize the processes that have shaped their evolutionary history.
Course Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of biology (cytology, physiology, genetics, etc.).
Teaching Methods
Lectures and seminars. To accommodate those who have requested inclusive teaching, interventions consistent with the specific needs of the individual student will be arranged.
Assessment Methods
Oral exam. The examination will focus on the syllabus covered in the lecture, with questions that will mainly focus on assessing the student's ability to make connections between morphology and function in an evolutionary framework.
Texts
Any zoological textbook is fine. Suggested books (in Italian): - Zoologia (di Casiraghi, De Eguilor, Cerrano), UTET Università , ISBN 978-88-6008-693-8 - Manuale di Zoologia (a cura di L. Ballarin), Piccin, ISBN 978-88-299-3454-6
For those who wish to learn more: - Invertebrates (di Brusca, Moore, Shuster), OUP USA (3rd edition, in English)
Contents
Conceptual bases, methods and fields of study of Zoology. Concepts of phylogeny-ontogeny, homology, apomorphy, convergence, parallelism, adaptations; relationship between form and function; short history of the theory of evolution; evolutionary processes and mechanisms; bases of phylogenetics; biogeography. Functions: protection, support and movement; nutrition; circulation and respiration; excretion and osmoregulation; immunity; nervous system; reproduction. Structural plan (Bauplan) of the main phyla of Protozoans and Metazoans (including Porifers, Cnidarians, Platelminths, Molluscs, Anellids, Arthropods, Echinoderms), focusing on their evolutionary and phylogenetic relationships.
Course Language
Italian
More information
For students in the categories listed below, individual meetings for up to two hours per week are available as well as appropriate teaching material. Categories: 1) working student; 2) student engaged in caring for family members; 3) student with civil disability; 4) student with disabilities or specific learning disorders; 5) student parent; 6) student athlete; 7) student in prison regimen; 7) student in inpatient regimen or suffering from certified medical conditions
