EZO-31306 Vertebrate Structure and Function

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Assumed knowledge on:

Human and Animal Biology I (EZO-10306)/ Human and Animal Biology Il (HAP-20306)

Contents:

In the lectures, an overview will be given of the origin, evolution, diversity and adaptive radiation of the vertebrates. The course presents material on the macroscopical and microscopical level, using an integrative approach. Basic biomechanics is used to gain insight into the physical constraints on morphology. Specific topics (such as interpretation of the fossil record, comparative morphology at the levels of the organism, organs and tissues) are studied by the students from books and papers. Students discuss these topics in small groups on the basis of a series of questions. The laboratory work (14 half-days) provides a broad overview of the structural biology of the various lineages of vertebrates. The student will be trained to recognise the relationships between structure, function, behaviour and environment. In one part (6 half days) major body plans will be studied via dissection. Another part (6 half days) focuses on the microscopical anatomy in relation to functional requirements. Macroscopical and microscopical requirements will be linked. In a third part (3 half days), students will work in small groups on a mini-research project. Each group studies a different aspect of the functional morphology of bird flight, such as wing and muscle design in relation to specific requirements of flight. Each group gives an oral presentation of the results and provides a written report. An excursion will be organised to a museum or zoo (facultative).

Learning outcomes:

After the course:
- the student should have a basic overview over the theories of the origin of the vertebrates;
- the student should have a basic insight into the evolutionary developments in the body plan of the vertebrates in relation to functional requirements; - the student should be capable of positioning form-function relationships in the framework of continuously changing a-biotic and biotic factors in the environment. This concerns both macro-changes (such as continental drift) and micro-changes (e.g. a new parasite);
- the student should be capable to distinguish the functional coupling between the various structural levels;
- the student should be acquainted with the approach of a biomechanical form analysis;
- the student is trained in oral and written presentation of scientific results;
- the student is trained to act as chairman of a discussion group.

Activities:

- follow lectures and study the explained material;
- reading chapters of text books and scientific papers;
- discussion of self-study material in small groups, with a chairman and tutor;
- dissection, microscopical observations;
- written and oral presentations;
- carrying out of a small research project.

Examination:

- performance in discussion groups and weekly tests: 10%;
- performance with practical work (including a test, oral presentation, report): 40%;
- written examination: 50%.

Literature:

- study instructions;
- study guide for practical work;
- study guide for mini-research project;
- selection of articles;
- Liem et al. (2002) Functional Anatomy of the Vertebrates (An Evolutionary Perpective); 3rd edition, Harcourt;
- Junqueira et al., (most recent edition): Functional histology (is supplied for loan).