Animal Biology

The aim of the course is to give the student the basis of animal life organization at the level of molecules, cells, tissues and organisms. Correlation between structures and functions. Environment adaptation: nutrients and energy cycles, homeostasis.
Principal concepts of developmental biology and environmental related evolutionary developmental biology.
Information will be given about the morpho-functional aspects of the most important phyla in the animal kingdom, with emphasis about phyla of agriculture interest as Anellida, Mollusca, Arthropoda and Chordata (Vertebrates), in addition elements about the small phyla will be furnished, to have a comprehensive picture of the matter, with focus on different basic structure of animal organisms. The student will gain a comprehensive vision of Zoological disciplines, in the framework of the evolutionary theory , together the basic ideas about the different schools concerning the classification of the animal kingdom. A special attention will be given to the ecosystem approach, in the framework of the development of a sustainable agriculture. A relevant objective of the lessons will be to furnish materials for a correct management of agriculture systems, concerning production and protection, with this purpose the basic knowledge about the relations between animals and the other living creatures will be furnished (symbiosis, competition, parasitism, predation).

Principles of animal biology and embryology, the theory and practice of animal classification and identification.