Comparative Anatomy

The teaching will allow the student to acquire the basic notions related to the evolution - and diversity - of Vertebrates in the context of evolutionary pressures exerted by the environment, also employing embryonic development as a tool (Evo-Devo).
As part of the teaching, the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, urogenital, and excretory apparatus, as well as the skeletal (organization of the skull and of the axial and appendicular skeleton) and the muscular systems, the sense organs, and the central and peripheral nervous system will be considered. Interactions among the aforementioned apparatus, organs and systems will also be analyzed.

At the end of the course the student will acquire the basic knowledge of comparative anatomy of vertebrates and will be able to fully understand the different topics in a transversal way, in order to critically apply in the future knowledge and comprehension of evolution and adaptation. Such abilities will be acquired during lessons where each topic will be transversally presented in order to stimulate questions and comments on current appropriate topics. Critical abilities as well as communication skills will be stimulated during lessons and practical exercitations and evaluated during the examination (mainly at the oral examination). Finally, the transversal and applicative approach of the learned topics will allow the student to develop useful skills for future learning and work.