OVERVIEW

Evolutionary Zoology deals with the processes that characterize the evolution of animals at different levels: morphological, anatomical, ethological etc. The role of Evolutionary Zoology is to provide, through the deepening of some taxonomic groups, the knowledge useful to identify the adaptations of organisms to the different selective pressures imposed by the abiotic and biotic environment.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Evolutionary Zoology aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge of the morphology, anatomy and ethology of terrestrial Arthropods (Arachnida, Miriapoda and Hexapoda) and Tetrapods. The evolutionary morphological approach, correlated with the molecular one, should make students able to develop critical skills and analytical skills useful for future studies and research in the Zoological field.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The attendance and the active participation in the proposed training activities (lectures and field and / or laboratory activities) and the individual study will allow the student to acquire in-depth and updated knowledge on the morphological, anatomical and ethological adaptations of terrestrial Arthropods (Arachnids, Miriapods and Hexapods) and Tetrapods (Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals), in the context of a systematic classification of said taxa. The evolutionary morphological approach, however, related to the genetic-molecular one will allow students to develop critical and analytical skills, useful for future insights and personal research in the zoological field.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching consists of totally 80 hours of lectures, and a theoretical-practical part (on the field and/or in the laboratory) lasting 21 hours. The theoretical-practical activities will be held by the teacher in charge of the teaching, possibly assisted by didactic support collaborators. At the beginning of each practical activity, a brief theoretical introduction is foreseen with the aim of providing the conceptual tools necessary to carry out and understand it. The organization and dates of the field/laboratory activities will be communicated directly by the teacher at the beginning of the lessons.

"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.”

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The teaching program provides for the presentation and discussion of the following topics:

- Arachnids: outline of general and systematic anatomy and morphology.

- Miriapods: outline of general and systematic anatomy and morphology (Chilopoda, Diplopoda, Pauropoda and Symphila).

- Hexapods: general information. Insect morphology and anatomy. Reproduction, development and life cycles. Elements of eco-ethology. Systematic (at the level of orders).

- Tetrapods: general information. Morphology of Tetrapods. Reproduction, development and life cycles. Elements of eco-ethology. Systematics (Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, Mammals).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All slides used during the lessons and other teaching materials will be available on aul@web. In general, the notes taken during the lessons and the material on aul@web are enough for the preparation of the exam. The books listed below are suggested as supporting texts, but students can still use other university level texts as well, provided they are editions published in the last 5 years.

• Ballarin L., 2023 – Manuale di Zoologia. Piccin, Padova.
• Gullan P.J. & Cranston P., 2006 - Lineamenti di Entomologia. Zanichelli, Bologna.
• Minelli A., Boxshall G., Fusco G. (Eds.), 2013 – Arthropod Biology and Evolution. Molecules, Development, Morphology. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.
• Pough F.H., Janis C.M. & Heiser J.B., 2014 – Zoologia dei Vertebrati. IX Ed. Casa Ed. Ambrosiana.
• Sabelli B., 2009 - Atlante di diversità e morfologia degli Invertebrati. Piccin, Padova.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

EVOLUTIONARY ZOOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a written test. The writing is related to the teaching topics and consists of 4 open-ended questions (7.5 points for each). Two exam sessions will be available for the winter session (mid January-February) and 5 exam sessions for the summer session (June, July and September). Extraordinary sessions will not be granted outside the periods indicated in the study program regulations.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare the exam and the degree of required deepening of each topic will be given during the lessons. The written exam will verify the effective acquisition of knowledge relating to the taxonomic groups treated. In addition to the notional aspects related to the content of the course, the ability to describe the mechanisms related to inheritance, population dynamics and micro-evolutionary processes in a clear manner and with correct terminology will also be assessed.

FURTHER INFORMATION

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.