Biology: Compar/Func Vertebrate Anatomy

Structure, function, and phylogeny, with evolutionary and functional trends of all chordate groups. Prerequisite: Two courses from BCOR 2300, BCOR 2100, BCOR 2500.

Prereqs: BCOR 1400 / 1450 or BCOR 1425; Must register for a lab: BIOL 4400 L01, L02, L03, or L04; PACE students only

In this class we will use the tools of evolutionary trees, structure and function relationships, and biomechanics to answer fascinating questions such as: Why are some vertebrates so much bigger than the largest non-vertebrates? How is a human like a shark? How did the bodies of vertebrates change when they colonized land? Am I more closely related to an elephant or a mouse? How are the bodies of bats different from those birds in the ways they are able to achieve powered flight? How did vertebrates become so complex? After successfully completing this course you will be able to: 1) Use structure/function relationships to make inferences about the lifestyle of early vertebrates and their ancestors to understand patterns of diversity and complexity in early vertebrate evolution. 2) Identify features of the vertebrate body plan that are common to all vertebrates. 3) Compare and contrast homologous structures in different vertebrate groups and explain how evolutionary history and adaptation for a function contributed to their current form. 4) List the evolutionary novelties that distinguish each major vertebrate clade from other clades and map these onto a cladogram of the vertebrates. 5) Use simple physics to compare the functional consequences of different configurations of anatomical structures. 6) Demonstrate competent dissection skills and ability to identify major anatomical structures in the context of the whole animal.

This course is taught in an active learning format, with presentations by the instructor interspersed with learning activities during class time. To learn in this way, students are expected to prepare for each class ahead of time so that maximum learning can be gained from the in-class activities. You will need to purchase a textbook, lab manual, iClicker REEF subscription, and dissection kit from the bookstore.

Three midterm exams and one final exam, in-class learning activities, clicker questions, at-home learning activities.