The Vertebrates: Form, Function, and Evolution
This course in organismal biology explores the anatomy and function of vertebrates from an evolutionary perspective. Lectures cover the origin, anatomy, physiology, ecology, and evolution of vertebrate groups, with a focus on organ systems, life history strategies, locomotion, behavior, ecology, and conservation. A concurrent lab provides hands-on experience with vertebrate anatomy and morphology. Overall, students will examine how form relates to function across diverse vertebrate lineages, investigate patterns of convergent evolution, and analyze factors driving biodiversity differences among groups. This course prepares students for advanced vertebrate biology courses (Ichthyology, Herpetology, Ornithology, Mammalogy) and provides excellent preparation for pre-vet and pre-med students through its comparative anatomical and physiological approach to understanding the organization of the vertebrate body.
Topics
- Demonstrate the ability to summarize the evolutionary origins and diversification of major vertebrate clades (cartilaginous and bony fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals), and describe the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary processes that have shaped their adaptive radiation.
- Describe the basic anatomical organization of the vertebrate body, identify major anatomical structures across vertebrate groups, and predict ecological roles or behaviors based on structural features.
- Identify the major physiological systems in vertebrates (muscular, respiratory, digestive, circulatory, nervous), and explain how they function together to support different life history strategies and ecological adaptations.
- Compare and contrast examples of convergent evolution across vertebrate lineages, and explain why unrelated lineages sometimes evolve similar traits.
- Describe patterns of species richness and morphological diversity among vertebrate groups, and analyze the ecological, evolutionary, and historical factors that help explain why some vertebrate groups are more diverse than others.
- Identify and summarize key conservation issues facing major vertebrate groups, and explain how differences in life history ecology, and behavior contribute to their vulnerability or resilience.
Official roster learning outcomes
Prerequisites & course information
BIOEE 1780 or equivalent or instructor permission.
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027
- Catalogue entry ↗
Catalogue variants
- Vertebrates: Anatomy, Function, and Evolution · 4.0 · Undergraduate