Zoology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The objectives of the course are provided to students with the basic knowledge related to functional biology and physiology of animals in relation to the environment; evolutionary biology; biodiversity, systematics and animal phylogeny.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will be able to: provide a general description of animal biodiversity and the main differences with other living organisms; recognize and identify the main animal taxa; carry out an overall comparative analysis of the structure of an animal, distinguishing the main anatomical structures and appropriately describing its morphology and function in relation to the environment. The student will develop cultural skills related to: integrated organism and fundamental aspects of the condition of "animality", complexity and unity of animal life, structural and functional adaptations of animals in relation to the environment. Moreover, it will be able to use specific instrumentation such as the optical transmission microscope and the stereomicroscope.
Lesson period: First 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
First semester
Course syllabus
The course will be addressed to different aspects of animal biology, interpreted in an environmental perspective. The program will include the following topics, subdivided in three thematic areas:
1) GENERAL ZOOLOGY
- General bases and fundamental principles of animal life: historical aspects, Linnean classification, concepts of species, mechanisms of of speciation; Systematics and evolution: phylogenetic tress, monophyletism, paraphyletisms, polyphyletism; concept of homology and analogy, radiation and convergence,
Architecture of animal body plane: the Bauplan concept, models of simmetry, body cavities; metamerism; solitary and colonial organisms: life styles.
- Functional biology: structural and functional correlations; protection and isolation; support and movement; nutrition; circulation and gas exchanges; homeostasis: excretion, osmoregulation, thermoregulation; neural and endocrine coordination; sensory receptors; symbiosis and parasitism
- Reproductive biology: gamic and agamic reproduction, ermafroditism and gonocorism, life cycles; parthenogenesis; embryonic development; post-embryonic development; larvae and etamorphosis;
2) SISTEMATICS
- Animal biodiversity: organization, distinctive features and phylogenetic relationships among the main animal groups. Protozoans; poriferans; cnidarians; acelomates: platyhelminthes; nemerteans; pseudocelomates; celomates; protostomes: molluscs; annelids; arthropods;; deuterostomes: echinoderms, chordates; vertebrates. A comprehensive account of the significant diversity of structural and functional aspects of the main phyla discussed in relation to their environment.
3) ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTATIONS
- Animal adaptations to the environment: aquatic (marine and freshwater) environment; terrestrial environment, extreme environments
1) GENERAL ZOOLOGY
- General bases and fundamental principles of animal life: historical aspects, Linnean classification, concepts of species, mechanisms of of speciation; Systematics and evolution: phylogenetic tress, monophyletism, paraphyletisms, polyphyletism; concept of homology and analogy, radiation and convergence,
Architecture of animal body plane: the Bauplan concept, models of simmetry, body cavities; metamerism; solitary and colonial organisms: life styles.
- Functional biology: structural and functional correlations; protection and isolation; support and movement; nutrition; circulation and gas exchanges; homeostasis: excretion, osmoregulation, thermoregulation; neural and endocrine coordination; sensory receptors; symbiosis and parasitism
- Reproductive biology: gamic and agamic reproduction, ermafroditism and gonocorism, life cycles; parthenogenesis; embryonic development; post-embryonic development; larvae and etamorphosis;
2) SISTEMATICS
- Animal biodiversity: organization, distinctive features and phylogenetic relationships among the main animal groups. Protozoans; poriferans; cnidarians; acelomates: platyhelminthes; nemerteans; pseudocelomates; celomates; protostomes: molluscs; annelids; arthropods;; deuterostomes: echinoderms, chordates; vertebrates. A comprehensive account of the significant diversity of structural and functional aspects of the main phyla discussed in relation to their environment.
3) ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTATIONS
- Animal adaptations to the environment: aquatic (marine and freshwater) environment; terrestrial environment, extreme environments
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of general biology is strongly required, therefore before attending the Zoology exams it is strongly suggested to have finalized the General Biology exam which provide fundamental information for the study of Zoology
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures (PP presentations) supported by audiovisive material. Frontal lectures are complemented by practical labs focused on the observations of the main anatomical-functional features of animal models representatives of the main zoological phyla (dissection, in vivo and histological samples observations)
Teaching Resources
Text books:
Candia MD, De Bernardi F. et al. ZOOLOGIA, Parte Sistematica . Idelson-Gnocchi, 2016
De Bernardi F., Balsamo M., et al. ZOOLOGIA, Parte Generale. Idelson-Gnocchi, 2012
Candia MD, De Bernardi F. et al. ZOOLOGIA, Parte Sistematica . Idelson-Gnocchi, 2016
De Bernardi F., Balsamo M., et al. ZOOLOGIA, Parte Generale. Idelson-Gnocchi, 2012
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam. This will last about half an hour and will indicatively include 2 main questions: one related to the General Zoology or Environmental adaptations part of the program, the other related to the Sistematics part (presentation of the main features of an animal phylum starting from images/photos). Dates of exams will be communicated via Ariel platform.
Evaluation criteria includes:
- knowledge of explained zoological concepts
-ability to integrate and correlate different concepts
- correct use of zoological language/words
- logical and coherent exposure
Evaluation criteria includes:
- knowledge of explained zoological concepts
-ability to integrate and correlate different concepts
- correct use of zoological language/words
- logical and coherent exposure
BIO/05 - ZOOLOGY - University credits: 9
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 64 hours
Lessons: 64 hours
Professor:
Sugni Michela
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
wednesday 14.30-15.30
Via Celroia 26, Tower A, ground floor