Vertebrate Biology I

Code:

MA122

Acronym:

BV_I

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	General and Aquatic Biology

Instance: 2022/2023 - 3T (of 13-02-2023 to 31-03-2023)

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Aquatic Production
Course/CS Responsible:	Aquatic Sciences

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
LCMA	40	Official Study Plan	1	-	5	49	135

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

As the beginning of life and its evolution happened in the aquatic environment the Biology of Vertebrates I is a basic discipline for students of Aquatic Sciences. The aim of this discipline is to cover the maters related with life and its evolution. Vertebrate evolution, systematic, biology and morphology are the main concerns. After correlating geologic times with appearance, evolution and extinction of main animal groups in Earth, development biology and embryology are covered. The final part of the discipline is dedicated to the functional morphology aspects of vertebrates, including: motion, feeding, growth, based on the different systems as: Integument, Skeletal, muscular, respiratory, circulatory and digestive. Priority will be given for learning most aspects related to fish, amphibians and reptiles, while birds and mammals will be studied during Biology of Vertebrates II.

Learning outcomes and competences

Students who attended this course, stayed with skills in areas such as biological, evolution of living beings and their integration in the evolution of the Earth. Developmental biology, morphology and physiology of fish, amphibians and reptiles, in particular with respect to the skeletal, muscular, digestive, respiratory, immune, endocrine and circulatory systems.

Working method

Presencial

Program

Pre-Cambrian and the first signs of life in the ocean. From the prokaryotes to eukaryotes. The appearance and evolution of animal life. The great extinctions. The evolution of chordates and the particular case of vertebrate phylogeny. Developmental biology and embryology of vertebrates (concepts of evolution and development; eggs, segmentation, gastrulation neural crest.
In terms of fish, amphibians and reptiles it will be explored:
The integument (development, microscopic structure, integumentary glands, scales and denticles color). Skeleton (notochord, cartilage, bone and joints; the sclerotome; the axial and appendicular skeleton; head and trunk skeleton) muscles and musculature (smooth and striated muscle; the myotome; epiaxial and hypoaxial musculature). Movement (aquatic, aerial and terrestrial movement adaptations). Corporal cavities (the original coelomic cavity and the serous membrane; the evolution from coelomic cavity to two and three cavities). Digestive system and related glands (development and general structure; oral cavity, teeth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestine; pancreas, liver and gallbladder). Respiratory system (aquatic and aerial ventilation; gills and lungs). Circulatory system (heart, blood formation, arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels; the cardiac and somatic circulation). Immune system (cells and organs; innate and acquired immunity). Endocrine system (hormones and glands; endocrine regulation).

Mandatory literature

Webster Douglas; Comparative vertebrate morphology. ISBN: 0-12-740850-9
Hildebrand Milton; Analysis of vertebrate structure. ISBN: 0-471-29505-1
Kent George C.; Comparative anatomy of the vertebrates. ISBN: 0-8016-6237-0

Complementary Bibliography

Press, F. & Siever, R; Understanding Earth , 2001
Romer, A. S.; Comparative Anatomy , 1962
Bracegirdle, B. & Miles, P. H.; Chordate Structure , 1978
Hildebrand, M. and Goslow, Jr., G.E.; Analysis of Vertebrate Structure , 2001
Kardong, K. V.; Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Evolution , 2002

Teaching methods and learning activities

This course adopts the method of blocks of matter with theoretical classes, with the support of audiovisual media, followed by practical laboratory classes at distance and lectures.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	80,00
Trabalho escrito	20,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	1,00
Estudo autónomo	63,00
Frequência das aulas	49,00
Trabalho escrito	22,00
Total:	135,00

Eligibility for exams

Frequence is considered with at least 3/4 of practical lessons.
Participation during group work presentation is mandatory.

Calculation formula of final grade

The evaluation is made through the presentation of 1 seminar (20% of the grade) and a final exam, with practical and theoretical part (80% of the grade).

Examinations or Special Assignments

Students are not required to do any other proof besides those already mentioned

 

Classification improvement

Improving classification is according to the general rules of the Institute

 

Observations

 Recommended Sites - http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evosite/evohome.html http://post.queensu.ca/~forsdyke/evolutio.htm#Introduction:%20Species%20Barriers.