The module aims to deepen the benthic bionomy, analyse the biotic and abiotic constraints of the main benthic ecosystems and the adaptations of the organisms involved in the most important benthic communities, and understand how the knowledge related to the distribution of organisms can be integrated in the study, monitoring and conservation of the benthos. Practical activities are planned to provide the basic tools for studying the benthos.
Attendance and participation in the training activities provided (lectures, practice exercises, and field activities) will allow the student to acquire the general knowledge of Bentonology necessary to undertake studies in the conservation of marine ecosystems.
Specifically, the student will be able to:
1. describe the main animal and algal/plant biocoenoses of aquatic benthic ecosystems and identify their typical species
2. understand, interpret, and describe the distribution, composition of biocoenoses and adaptations of the involved species based on the interactions between organisms and environmental gradients
3. apply the basic knowledge acquired in the context of issues related to the monitoring and conservation of aquatic environments
4. assess the health and vulnerability of an ecosystem using indicator species and analyse the biological responses to environmental gradients
5. summarise and outline the observations in choral presentations and develop critical skills
To effectively address the module contents, basic knowledge related to the zoology of invertebrates and ecology is necessary.
The module consists of lectures, theoretical-practical activities and a field trip. Attendance to lectures is strongly recommended, while attendance at practical and laboratory activities is mandatory at 75%.
Lectures in the classroom are delivered through multimedia presentations.
The theoretical-practical activities are aimed at the application of the theoretical knowledge acquired during the lectures. In particular, the following will be developed:
1) Group exercises related to the visual census technique through analysis of photographic images with standard squares
2) Group exercises related to the ROV-Imaging technique for the study of the deep fauna of invertebrates and fish
3) Group exercises aimed at analysing images and critically evaluating the environmental gradients and the characterising species
The exercises are carried out in the classroom with the use of a computer and include a joint discussion of the results of the exercises carried out.
The module also includes one field trip along the Ligurian coast aimed at characterising (through snorkelling) the hard-bottom intertidal community and using visual census techniques to study the fish fauna.
The module program includes the presentation and discussion of the following topics:
All the slides used during the lessons and other didactic material will be available on AulaWeb / TEAMS.
Ricevimento: The teacher receives by appointment, which must be agreed by email.
For lessons start and timetable go to the link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/
The exam consists of an oral test and is aimed at assessing the knowledge of the fundamental elements of the subject and the ability to connect between the various topics. The final mark is given by the arithmetic average between the marks of the two sub-modules of MARINE BIODIVERSITY and ADAPTATIONS.
The test can be taken independently of the other module (Ichthyology).
Details on how to prepare for the exam and the degree of in-depth analysis required for each topic will be provided during the lessons. The exam will focus mainly on the topics covered during the lectures and will aim to assess not only if the student has reached an adequate level of knowledge, but also if he/she has acquired the ability to recall theoretical notions by applying them to simple contexts, such as the description of images of aquatic environments presented and discussed during the examination. The ability to present arguments clearly and with correct terminology will also be assessed.
Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.
