The Vertebrates: Form, Function, and Evolution

Catalog description

This course in organismal biology explores the anatomy and function of vertebrates from an evolutionary perspective. Lectures cover the origin, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and evolution of vertebrate groups, with a focus on organ systems, life history strategies, locomotion, behavior, ecology, and conservation. A concurrent lab provides hands-on experience with vertebrate anatomy and morphology. Overall, students will examine how form relates to function across diverse vertebrate lineages, investigate patterns of convergent evolution, and analyze factors driving biodiversity differences among groups. This course prepares students for advanced vertebrate biology courses (Ichthyology, Herpetology, Ornithology, Mammalogy) and provides excellent preparation for pre-vet and pre-med students through its comparative anatomical and physiological approach to understanding the organization of the vertebrate body.