BIOLOGY 321 COMPARARTIVE VERTEBRATE ANATOMY

TEXTBOOK:  Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates by Kent.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  A course investigating the comparative morphology of chordates.  Topics include: protochordate and vertebrate origin, diversity, embryology, and vertebrate organ systems.  The phylogeny and ontogeny of vertebrates will be of major importance.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:  Students will gain understanding and appreciation of:

• Vertebrate morphology processes
• The connections between form and function in vertebrate organs and systems.
• Vertebrate diversity.
• Early vertebrate development and morphogenesis.
• The generalized vertebrate pattern and its importance in gaining a deep predictive understanding of all vertebrates from fish to mammals.
• Vertebrate evolution - that the structure of modern vertebrates is the product of adaptive modification through natural selection.
• The common ancestry (phylogeny) of modern vertebrates.
• Comparative anatomy as an analytical technique and process.
• The major organ systems and their modification from fish to mammals.
• Vertebrate anatomy that will form a solid base for future professional training such as gross anatomy in medical or veterinary school.

TOPICS COVERED:

• Protochordates
• Fishes
• Amphibia
• Reptilia
• Aves
• Mammalia
• Embryology
• Skin
• Bone and Cartilage
• Vertebrae
• Skull
• Girdles
• Muscles
• Digestive
• Respiratory
• Circulatory
• Urogenital
• Nervous
• Endocrine
• Sensory