Comparative Vertebrate Biology (BI2CV1) Lecture 1 - Intro PDF

Comparative Vertebrate Biology BI2CV1 Dr Manabu Sakamoto Dr Bian Pickles [email protected] Welcome to Comparative Vertebrate Biology! Vertebrates are one of the most diverse and successful groups of animals on Earth. Vertebrate diversity There are current...

Comparative Vertebrate Biology BI2CV1 Dr Manabu Sakamoto Dr Bian Pickles [email protected] Welcome to Comparative Vertebrate Biology! Vertebrates are one of the most diverse and successful groups of animals on Earth. Vertebrate diversity There are currently ~70,000 recognized vertebrate species. Vertebrates can be found in the oceans, land and in the air. This is reflected in their diverse body plans and adaptations to different environments. Vertebrates have a long evolutionary history! Vertebrate adaptations Vertebrates are one of two groups to evolve powered flight, the other one being insects. …and it evolved three times independently in vertebrates! Pterosaurs Birds Bats Comparative biology Cross-species comparisons of biological structures and their functions. Understanding the role of natural selection, adaptation, evolution and common ancestry (the tree of life) in shaping the diversity of biological structures. Vertebrate wings evolved independently, but are derived from the same structure, the forelimbs! Module learning outcomes MLO1: Describe, and account for the evolution of, the key morphological, functional and physiological adaptations of vertebrates to life in water, on land and in the air. MLO2: Summarise the function, biological role, and evolution of the major vertebrate organ systems. MLO3: Explain how energetics and embryological processes explain the evolution of the phylogenetic and anatomical diversity of the Vertebrata. MLO4: Explain how comparative vertebrate zoology relates to other life sciences and real-world situational challenges/paradigms Module team Dr Manabu Sakamoto Module convenor Dr Brian Pickles Module co-convenor Dr Jo Baker Dr Jacob Gardner Module structure Module structure Lectures Drop-in Sessions Typically timetabled in sets of Check your timetable for two lectures the times and rooms Each session lasts 45-50 min Check your timetable for the Independent study times and rooms 120 hours Practicals HLS Ground Floor teaching lab (G13-15) Hands-on activities Specimens from teaching collection and Cole Museum Module structure Seminars Seminar topics and Five of the lectures will be lecturers seminars Dr Manabu Sakamoto Four of which will be given by Were raptors pack hunters? guest lecturers Dr Rémi Lefebvre Each session lasts 2 hours Sauropodomorph limb First hour will be a lecture morphometrics and Second hour will be a locomotion discussion/Q&A session Dr Suzy White Check your timetable for Hominid applied the times and rooms morphometrics Dr Ciara O'Donovan Dinosaur biogeography Professor Mike Benton Module Roadmap Shows how the module will be delivered. Can be found on Blackboard under Module Information. Weekly learning plan A weekly learning plan will be available on Blackboard every week In the relevant weekly folder (e.g., Week 1) under the Learning Materials section. Shows outline of the learning and activities you are expected to complete each week. Module schedule Assessments Assessments Blackboard test (30% module mark) Week 7 Contents from Weeks 1 to 5 Practical skills test (30% module mark) Week 11, Monday 9th Dec Contents from practical sessions Reflective report (40% module mark) Formative proforma submission Week 3, Friday 18th Oct Summative report submission Week 11, Friday 13th Dec Assessment briefing: Reflective report Assignment Answer the following question: What are the wider impacts of comparative vertebrate biology? Formative proforma Proforma (Word doc) available on Blackboard Submission deadline Week 3, Friday 18th Oct Feedback within usual feedback timeframe Summative report Build on formative proforma Submission deadline Week 11, Friday 13th Dec Formative proforma Summary [150 words] Brief overview of your arguments outlined in the following sections. Background [250 words] Briefly introduce comparative vertebrate biology Impact on wider life sciences [250 words] Describe how comparative vertebrate biology impacts the wider life sciences discipline. Impact on wider issues [250 words] Describe the impacts of comparative vertebrate biology on wider issues, including societal as well as the natural world. Summative report Starting with the formative proforma, reflect on how your arguments have either changed or developed further, after having engaged with the contents and activities of this module. Write a report developing your arguments from the proforma, backed up by evidence from the course material and literature where appropriate. Word limit: 2,000 words. Should be structured like a report with a beginning, middle and an end, including a Summary section and a Conclusion section. Hint: start with the proforma. Communications How to get in touch During or after in-person teaching sessions, i.e., lectures, practical labs, drop-in sessions. Drop-in sessions are timetabled but not mandatory sessions that can be used for anything related to the module, from contents to assessments. Please check your timetable and do drop in! Email: [email protected] Announcements Announcements related to the module will be made through Blackboard announcements, a copy of which will be sent to your email address.