NVCC
COLLEGE-WIDE COURSE CONTENT SUMMARY
BIO 226 - VERTEBRATE
ZOOLOGY (4 CR.)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Focuses on structure,
embryology, function, ecology, classification, and evolution of vertebrate
animals. Lecture 3 hours. Recitation and laboratory 3 hours. Total 6 hours
per week.
GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE
This is a one semester
sophomore level college transfer course designed for Science majors. The
student is introduced to the evolution of vertebrates from the Paleozoic
to the present. Emphasis is placed on anatomical and physiological characteristics
of major taxa of Chordates. In addition, the student obtains field experiences
in collection, identification, and preparation of local vertebrates.
ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES
Prerequisites BIO 101-102
- "General Biology I & II" or permission of the instructor.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of
this course, the student should be able to:
A. list the characteristics
of each of the major subgroups of the Phylum Chordata
B. familiar with the
chronological history of each class of vertebrates
C. describe the present
zoogeographical distribution of vertebrates in relation to past continental
positions
D. demonstrate skill
in the dissection of the gross anatomy of selected Chordates
E. use a dichotomous
key to identify North American vertebrates
F. familiar with the
methods of collecting and recording field data
G. collect and preserve
vertebrate specimens for scientific study collections
H. familiar with the
natural processes which have produced massive extinctions and adaptive
radiation within the Phylum Chordata
I. familiar with the
environmental forces which "selected for" primate characteristics and allow
for the successful dominance of Homo sapiens
MAJOR TOPICS TO BE
COVERED
A. Prochordate evolution
and their phylogenic relationships with invertebrate phyla
B. Morphology, physiology,
and life histories of extant prochordates
C. Evolution of vertebrates:
Agnatha past and present
D. Significance of
development of jaws and paired appendages
E. Dominance of Paleozoic
jawed vertebrates
F. Develolpment of
tetrapods
G. Paleozoic distribution
of terrestrial vertebrates with emphasis on climates and continental drift
H. Zoogeographic distribution
of extant families of amphibians
I. Evolution of reptiles
J. Reptilian dominance
and endothermy
K. Mesozoic climates
and continent distribution
L. Cretaceous extinction
M. Distribution of
extant families of reptiles
N. Rise of Aves and
Mammals
O. Development of
placential dominance
P. Adaptive radiation
of early Cenzoic mammals
Q. Primate evolution
R. Evolution of Homo
Sapiens
OPTIONAL TOPICS
Field trips to local
and foreign ecosystems to gain first hand experience in gathering and recording
field data and in collecting, identifying and preparing specimens for museum
collections.
Revised 1/97
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