AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module is aimed at the acquisition by students of knowledge relating to the diversity of the various classes of marine vertebrates, their phylogenetic relationships and the major adaptations that have characterised their evolution, in the light of the results achieved thanks to molecular biology and developmental genetics, and of the evidence provided by morphology and paleontology.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attending and participating in the scheduled lectures will allow the student to acquire advanced knowledge related to the classification, origin, and phylogeny of the main marine vertebrates.

Specifically, the student will be able to:

• Understand the mechanisms underlying evolution
• Acquire the correct terminology for identifying morphological and anatomical features of marine vertebrates
• Understand the evolution and morphological and functional characteristics of systems in marine vertebrates
• Apply bioinformatics techniques and statistical analysis in R for molecular and morphological analyses of the main marine vertebrates

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of 32 hours of lectures delivered through multimedia presentations and of 16 hours of laboratory work. Computer labs are included. Attendance at the lectures is not mandatory but is strongly recommended, while attendance at practical and laboratory activities is mandatory at 75%.

The way lessons are taught may be modified due to emergencies that prevent in-person lessons from being held. In this case, classes will be held via the Teams platform using suitable substitute teaching tools.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Fundamental aspects of evolution: Microevolution: gene flow and genetic drift; concepts of species; geographic variation and speciation; speciation in the marine environment. Macroevolution: homeotic genes and the organization of the animal body plan; the origin of taxa; evolutionary trends and extinction.

Origin of chordates and vertebrates: Hypotheses on vertebrate evolution

Evolution and phylogeny of cyclostomes

Evolution of fishes: the first vertebrates

Evolution and phylogeny of chondrichthyans, actinopterygians, sarcopterygians.

Phylogeny, taxonomy, and classification of marine mammals: Reptiles (Turtles) and marine mammals (Sirenians, Pinnipeds, and Cetaceans) as examples of recolonization of the aquatic environment from terrestrial ancestors: origin and evolution; biological and ecological characteristics of current species.

Evolutionary biology of systems in the marine vertebrates: Integumentary system, nervous system and sensory organs, reproductive strategies.

Computer exercises for molecular phylogeny:

• Searching nucleotide and protein sequence databases,
• Genome annotation and prediction of coding sequences,
• Multiple sequence alignment and construction of phylogenetic trees

Computer exercises for morphometric analysis using R (anatomical characters for taxonomy)

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

F. Harvey Pough, C.M. Janis, J.B. Heiser, Zoologia dei Vertebrati, Zanichelli

M. Ridley, Evoluzione e la storia della vita e i suoi meccanismi,  McGraw Hill 

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

For lessons start and timetable visit:  https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a written test, aimed at evaluating the knowledge of the fundamental elements of the subject and the ability to make connections between the various topics. The final grade is given by the arithmetic mean with the DIVERSITY AND PHYLOGENESIS OF MARINE INVERTEBRATES module (Code 114719). The test can be taken independently of the other sub-module.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written exam aims at assessing the acquisition of notions, comprehension of the processes, and appropriate use of scientific jargon. The student must prove to be able to integrate the notions learned during this course with his preexisting knowledge. The ability to logically structure an answer and present the arguments plainly will also be evaluated. When the requirements are not met, the student is invited to deepen the study and, eventually, to make use of further explanations from the teachers.

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.