Animal Adaptations and Applications
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to introduce the student to the study of the animal as an integrated system in which a series of specific structural, functional and behavioral adaptations find expression that allow an in-depth and detailed analysis, from the macro-scale to the nano-scale, not only in terms of biodiversity, but also in terms of potential use in various human appLication contexts (medicine, design, engineering, biomimicry, breeding, food production). In particular, the conditions and evolutionary pathways that have led to the acquisition of highly specialized morphological, physiological, biomechanical and behavioral characteristics will be analysed, all representing particularly innovative and potentially exploitable adaptive solutions in a variety of contexts and human activities. The course aims to provide knowledge related both to general principles of construction and functioning of the animal organism, as well as to specific topics selected for their
relevance in the field of application, with particular reference to: organism design and biomechanical bases; properties of biological materials and their structural and functional uses; support and movement and the variety of locomotion modalities in different environments;
bioactive molecules used for offense and defense; behavioral strategies.
relevance in the field of application, with particular reference to: organism design and biomechanical bases; properties of biological materials and their structural and functional uses; support and movement and the variety of locomotion modalities in different environments;
bioactive molecules used for offense and defense; behavioral strategies.
Expected learning outcomes
The main expected learning outcomes will be the development of: a) cultural competences in the field of functional morphology, physiology and comparative ethology of animals, not provided by other courses, emphasizing the links between adaptations and applications; b) interdisciplinary methodological competences related to the integrated evolutionary approach and to the applied technical-scientific one; c) capabilities to transfer and exploit the acquired knowledge in various
fields of application.
fields of application.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Module 1. Biomimicry
In this part of the teaching, we will focus on biomimicry i.e how animal morphological, physiological, biomechanical adaptations can be a source of inspiration or materials for applications in the fields of architecture, design, engineering, medicine. Introduction to biomimicry and multidisciplinary approach: from biomechanics, to animal morphology, towards architecture, design and engineering. History and evolution of biomimicry. Constructional and functional morphology of animals. Model organization level: molecules, tissues, structures, individual, population. 1) Permanent adhesion (structural molecules). The bivalve byssus and the spider silk: Diversity, characteristics, properties and functions, (bio)materials for medical applications and design (super-glues). 2) Temporary adhesion. The adhesive pads of gecko, insects and amphibians (tissues-structure): characteristics, functionality, evolution, adhesive materials and applications in biomedicine, engineering. 3) Smart materials (tissues): the mutable connective tissues (MCT) of echinoderms. Localization, functions, composition and organization, mechanisms, evolution. Dynamic biomaterial for medical applications: MCT-inspired devices (brain microelectrodes) and MCT-derived biomaterials (skin substitutes). 4) Functional surfaces: hydrodinamicity (shark skin), super-hydrophobicity and self-cleaning (gecko skin), antimicrobic effect (insect wings), structural colors (lepidopter wings, antireflection (brochosomes). 3) Support and skeletal systems; skeleton functions and types of skeletons; building materials: properties and characteristics; the stereom of echinoderms, applications in design, architecture and engineering. 6) Animal behavior and buildings; bio-inspired architecture.
Part 2. Direct use.
In this part of the teaching, we will focus on the evolution of physiological, behavioural, ecological and biochemical aspects in different groups of animals, and how these adaptations can be exploited directly by humans in important productive and biomedical applications. In particular we will analyze the evolution and applications of 1) venoms and toxins of invertebrates (biomedical applications), 2) trophic specialization (pollination and applications in agriculture), 3) specialization in the use of hosts by parasites and parasitoids (biological control and applications in agriculture), 4) composition and nutritional profiles of insects (entomophagy and diets of the future), 5) parental care and social behavior of vertebrates (domestication), 6) symbiotic bacteria and their products in insects (biomedical applications).
The course also includes a final "presentation day" in which students will briefly present an in-depth analysis on one topic of their choice among those covered in class, based on scientific articles.
In this part of the teaching, we will focus on biomimicry i.e how animal morphological, physiological, biomechanical adaptations can be a source of inspiration or materials for applications in the fields of architecture, design, engineering, medicine. Introduction to biomimicry and multidisciplinary approach: from biomechanics, to animal morphology, towards architecture, design and engineering. History and evolution of biomimicry. Constructional and functional morphology of animals. Model organization level: molecules, tissues, structures, individual, population. 1) Permanent adhesion (structural molecules). The bivalve byssus and the spider silk: Diversity, characteristics, properties and functions, (bio)materials for medical applications and design (super-glues). 2) Temporary adhesion. The adhesive pads of gecko, insects and amphibians (tissues-structure): characteristics, functionality, evolution, adhesive materials and applications in biomedicine, engineering. 3) Smart materials (tissues): the mutable connective tissues (MCT) of echinoderms. Localization, functions, composition and organization, mechanisms, evolution. Dynamic biomaterial for medical applications: MCT-inspired devices (brain microelectrodes) and MCT-derived biomaterials (skin substitutes). 4) Functional surfaces: hydrodinamicity (shark skin), super-hydrophobicity and self-cleaning (gecko skin), antimicrobic effect (insect wings), structural colors (lepidopter wings, antireflection (brochosomes). 3) Support and skeletal systems; skeleton functions and types of skeletons; building materials: properties and characteristics; the stereom of echinoderms, applications in design, architecture and engineering. 6) Animal behavior and buildings; bio-inspired architecture.
Part 2. Direct use.
In this part of the teaching, we will focus on the evolution of physiological, behavioural, ecological and biochemical aspects in different groups of animals, and how these adaptations can be exploited directly by humans in important productive and biomedical applications. In particular we will analyze the evolution and applications of 1) venoms and toxins of invertebrates (biomedical applications), 2) trophic specialization (pollination and applications in agriculture), 3) specialization in the use of hosts by parasites and parasitoids (biological control and applications in agriculture), 4) composition and nutritional profiles of insects (entomophagy and diets of the future), 5) parental care and social behavior of vertebrates (domestication), 6) symbiotic bacteria and their products in insects (biomedical applications).
The course also includes a final "presentation day" in which students will briefly present an in-depth analysis on one topic of their choice among those covered in class, based on scientific articles.
Prerequisites for admission
The student must have solid bases in: cytology and histology, comparative anatomy, zoology, evolution
Teaching methods
The teaching method of the course is based on lectures supported by digital material.
For the Biomimicry module a field excursion to the Botanical Garden Cascina Rosa will be organised.
For the Biomimicry module a field excursion to the Botanical Garden Cascina Rosa will be organised.
Teaching Resources
The material includes slides, videos projected during the course and scientific articles that will be distributed by the teachers. The slides of the course are not sufficient material for the preparation of the exam, it is therefore necessary to associate them with notes taken during the lessons. The course foresees a possible integration with specialized seminars and the reading of pertinent scientific articles. During the lessons, sites, texts and articles to consult are indicated.
Assessment methods and Criteria
For each didactic module, the exam will be organised as follows: a seminar (FACULTATIVE) on one topic selected among those covered during lessons (max 5 points); an oral examination (MANDATORY) of about 20 minutes on all the topics covered during the course. Therefore if the students does not want to prepare the seminar the maximum mark can be 25/30 (for each module). The final mark of the whole course will be the average of the two module. Evaluation will be based on knowledge of the topics, the quality, clarity and precision of explanations
BIO/05 - ZOOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Polidori Carlo, Sugni Michela
Professor(s)
Reception:
wednesday 14.30-15.30
Via Celroia 26, Tower A, ground floor