Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy & Physiology ((4 Credits))

Catalog description

This course examines a number of areas in biology that focus specifically on vertebrates, such as evolution, speciation, behavior, anatomy, and physiology. The first cordate (vertebrate) organisms appeared on Earth about 542 million years ago. Vertebrate organisms evolved features that made them unique and, yet, they maintained biological characteristics that are also similar. Students will consider a comparative approach for examining life history characteristics of mammals, fish, birds, and reptiles. Throughout the term, students will also engage in dissections of vertebrate species to identify comparative anatomical features that enable species to survive in their respective environments. They will then consider the modifications in physiological processes that accompany form and function. Prerequisites (must complete before registering): Biology I with Lab ( BIOL 1200 ) or Introduction to Cell Biology and Genetics ( BIOL 1204 ), or equivalent, and Biology II with Lab ( BIOL 1201 ) or the two-term sequence: Introduction to Organismal Biology ( BIOL 1205 ) and Introduction to Population Biology ( BIOL 1206 ), or equivalent. Corequisites: An upper level Organismal Biology course and Evolution Highly Recommended (not required): Students should have foundational knowledge gained in an introductory biology sequence, or human anatomy and physiology, and a general ecology course.