Content (Syllabus outline)
INTRODUCTION:
- general concepts in systematic biology;
- natural and artificial classifications;
- the origin of chordates;
- basic synapomorphies.
MAIN VERTEBRATE LINEAGES ACCORDING TO THE PHYLOGENETIC SYSTEM:
- the origin of vertebrates;
- early relatives (tunicates, cephalochordates);
- extant and extinct jawless vertebrates;
- jawed vertebrates;
- cartilaginous fishes;
- bony fishes;
- tetrapods and the transition to land;
- non-amniotic tetrapods;
- amniotes;
- diapsids (with chapters for testudines, lepidosaurs, and archosaurs with birds)
- synapsids and mammals.
The overview of every lineage includes main synapomorphies, paleontological data, a paleo- geographical, geological and climatic account, key innovations, historical radiation and extant diversity, threats and conservation issues, a few biological, behavioral etc. highlights.
LAB:
Outline of vertebrate fauna of Slovenia and adjacent regions, identification of species based on skins and conserved specimens, photographs, and sound recordings. Each student individually writes a commented list of vertebrate of his home region.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites for inclusion in the work:
· enrolment in the appropriate academic year
Prerequisites for performing study obligations:
Exam:
- General Zoology exam
- practical examination (colloquium)
- submitted survey of vertebrates of home place