Biology of the Invertebrates

3 credits · Undergraduate

(3 hrs Lecture | 3 hrs Lab) This course provides a synopsis of the major taxa of invertebrates to demonstrate the richness in diversity of this dominant sub-group of animals and to illustrate their importance to the functioning of natural ecosystems. Major aspects of invertebrate biology that distinguish invertebrates from and unite them with other taxa are considered in detail. The major biological pillars - anatomy, physiology, behaviour, ecology and evolution - are emphasized from a systems approach with appropriate, comparative examples drawn from different invertebrate groups to explain how disparate animal groups solve similar survival and reproductive problems posed by a common environment. Requisite Courses: BIOL-1115 and BIOL-1116 [prerequisite(s)]; BIOL-2115L (lab) (must be taken concurrently).