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