Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

Catalog description

Comparative anatomy is fundamental for investigating vertebrate function and evolutionary biology. The course integrates anatomy, evolution, and development of the chordate body, system-by-system and across the group's diversity from flying and running vertebrates to sea squirts and lampreys. Labs will raise insight and skill through comprehensive, respectful dissection of minks, dogfish sharks, lampreys, and representative organ specimens. One lab period per week is dedicated to a main dissection and exploration of anatomy. The next lab period integrates lecture, dissection refinement, and collaborative reinforcement of learning. This course is taught largely at an undergraduate level. Graduate students will have additional course requirements/expectations. Lect. 2, Lab 4. Prerequisite: BIO 203 or BIO 210 ; junior, senior, or graduate standing. Offered Spring.