Evolution of Vertebrates

Catalog description

This course focuses on the evolution of vertebrate animals, beginning with an overview of vertebrate classification and a consideration of early vertebrate evolution. Each group of vertebrates (fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals) will be explored, with an emphasis on the history of each group, adaptations (physiological, morphological, behavioral) seen within the group, and relationships among members of the group, including insights from molecular data. Consideration of extant (living) vertebrates will be emphasized, specifically convergent adaptations across taxa (including flight, swimming, and specialization for similar environments, such as arctic or desert). The student will develop a perspective on vertebrate evolution, representative groups, vertebrate classification systems, and different vertebrate body plans and special adaptations. Additionally, a course project will reinforce broader skills of scholarly paper writing, oral presentation techniques, and collaboration. There is a single short field trip associated with this course. Over one weekend, the students will be driven to one of several sites, typically a zoo and a natural history museum. This experience provides students with an opportunity think deeply about how the principles presented in the class shape the diversity of past and current vertebrates. The biology major strives to develop an overall perspective on evolution for our undergraduates, and this course uses an important group, the vertebrates, to fully exemplify and develop that goal. Students in other majors outside our college, including Geology/Paleontology and Wildlife Science may also find interest in this course offering, and could graduate students.