Biology of the Vertebrates

3 credits · Undergraduate

(3 hrs Lecture | 3 hrs Lab) This course introduces students to the evolution, ecology, diversity, and functional anatomy of vertebrate animals including fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. We examine different lines of evidence used to investigate vertebrate evolution, including paleontology, evolutionary developmental biology and cladistics ("tree-thinking"). When reviewing the major groups, we focus on major transformations in vertebrate life (e.g., the basic body plan, the move from water to land, the original of flights) and the behaviour, ecology and conservation of specific groups. We highlight species of vertebrates found in Manitoba and Canada. Restrictions: Students may not hold credit for this course and BIOL-2111. Requisite Courses: BIOL-1115 and BIOL-1116 [prerequisite(s)]; BIOL-2116L (must be taken concurrently).