BIOS 4314 - Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

College of Sciences

Lecture/Laboratory
- Credits: 4

Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy is a detailed study of the structure and evolution of the chordate subphylum Vertebrata. It is primarily a comparative study of the evolutionary changes that occurred in the organ systems of vertebrates as they adapted to their ever-changing environment throughout the last 500 million years. This course will serve to build upon the introduction to phylogenetic systematics and the comparative approach to hypothesis testing (the foundation of comparative biology) given in freshman and sophomore level biology courses. Lectures will explore phylogenetics, the diversity of vertebrate animals, and compare the evolution of vertebrate organ systems. In the lab, students will study the anatomy of three representative vertebrate groups by dissecting a dogfish shark, amphibian, and cat.

Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: junior or senior standing and completion of BIOS 2014 with grade of C or better or permission from instructor.
Grading Basis: Graded
Repeatable: No
Consent Required to Add No
Consent Required to Drop No