The Vertebrates

Catalog description

Overview of the evolution, systematics, ecology, and behavior of the subphylum vertebrata. W F S 300 The Vertebrates (2) The purpose of this course is to introduce students to vertebrate zoology and will include overviews of vertebrate evolution, systematics, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and behavior. The course will begin by introducing the phylum Chordata. The cephalochordata, amphioxus (Branchiostoma lanceolatum), will be discussed and used as a model of a prevertebrate. The basic organization and theories of vertebrate evolution will be reviewed. The superclasses, Agnatha and Gnathostomata, will be introduced. The origin of each of the major group of vertebrates will be traced. The general approach will be phylogenetic and include discussions of the major changes associated with each group's evolution and selected elements of their extant diversity and biology.