Lecture: 4 hours/week
Lab: 3 hours/week
Merhods of instruction for this course will include some or all of the following:
- Lectures
- Laboratory activities
- Discussion groups
- Readings from scientific journal articles
- Guest lectures
- Projects (e.g. poster presentation, research paper presentation on a topic of current interest)
The content below follows a functional morphology approach. The instructor may instead choose to integrate this material in a comprehensive taxonomic treatment of representative invertebrate phyla.
1. OVERVIEW OF INVERTEBRATE CLASSIFICATION
- Introduction to phylogenetics
- Introduction to the major invertebrate phyla and characteristics of each
- Introduction to the functional morphology approach
- Diversity and distribution of invertebrates
2. SENSORY & NERVOUS SYSTEMS
- Evolution of sensory systems
- Basic sensory and nervous physiology
- Use of nervous/sensory structures and sensory modalities
- Communication and social behaviour in relation to sensory perception
3. LOCOMOTION & SUPPORT
- Introduction of main locomotory and support structures (e.g. skeleton, muscles, appendages)
- Biomechanics and behavioural characteristics of movement
- Examination of specific types of locomotion (e.g. crawling, walking, flight, burrowing, swimming, jumping) and the adaptations exhibited by different taxa to achieve movement
- Dispersal biology
4. FOOD ACQUISITION, FEEDING, DIGESTION & EXCRETION
- Modes of resource selection and use
- Examination of feeding modalities and behaviours (e.g. predation, parasitism, herbivory, filter feeding) and the corresponding evolutionary adaptations
- Considerations related to the variation in nutrient acquisition
- Anatomy and physiology of the different feeding apparatuses
- Comparative physiology of digestion & metabolism
- Examination of different excretory pathways, structures and end products
- Comparison of modes of excretion in relation to lifestyle and habitat
- Osmoregulation and water balance
5. CIRCULATORY & RESPIRATORY SYSTEMS
- Comparison of structure and function of circulatory systems in relation to lifestyle and habitat
- Comparison of the structure and function of different mechanisms of respiratory exchange in relation to lifestyle and habitat
- Examination of the relative efficiencies of different circulatory and respiratory systems
- Considerations related to aquatic vs. terrestrial vs. airborne lifestyles
- Relevant modes of gas and fluid transport (diffusion, diffusion rates, exchange processes)
- Thermoregulatory mechanisms and relevant adaptations to temperature changes, climate and seasons
- Homeostatic mechanisms
6. REPRODUCTION & GROWTH
- Comparison of reproductive structures and systems
- Modes of reproduction and reproductive strategies
- Comparison of mating tactics and behaviours in relation to lifestyle and habitat
- Fertilization mechanisms and embryological development
- Processes of maturation and mechanisms of growth
- Nesting and parenting behaviours
After completing this course, the successful student will be able to:
- Describe the general principles of invertebrate classification and phylogeny, and characteristics of the major invertebrate phyla.
- Explain the diversity of invertebrate forms and compare and contrast the unity which exists within this diversity.
- Explore anatomical and physiological principles by studying form and function relationships in an evolutionary context.
- Describe how invertebrates interact with their environments and how environmental conditions modulate these interactions through adaptive mechanisms.
- Indicate how the scientific method is used to advance our knowledge of invertebrate anatomy and physiology.
- Use the general principles of biology to discuss current issues and ideas in invertebrate biology.
Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:
| MEANS OF ASSESSMENT | MARKS |
| Projects | 10-20 |
| Laboratory assignments | 10-20 |
| In-class tests and assignments | 25-35 |
| Final laboratory examination | 10-15 |
| Final examination | 25-35 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
The student should consult the Bookstore for the latest required course materials or textbook. Example textbooks and materials may include:
Pechenik, J. Biology of the Invertebrates (current edition).
Ruppert et al. Invertebrate Zoology: A Functional Evolutionary Approach (current edition).
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