Learning outcomes of the course unit
The course will describe evolution of Vertebrates from their appearance. It will examine the natural history and morpho-physiological characteristics of each group.
Basic knowledge in general zoology and invertebrate zoology
Course contents summary
VERTEBRATES AS CHORDATES (cfu 0.5)
General characteristics of Chordates. Basic characteristics of Urochordates, Cephalochordates and the origin of Vertebrates. Adaptive aspects of the basic organic systems of Vertebrates.
AQUATIC VERTEBRATES (cfu 2)
Origin, usage and evolution of bone tissue in early Vertebrates. Early and living jawless vertebrates (Agnata). Early jawed vertebrates (Gnathostomes). The rise and evolution of Chondroichthyes. Origin and evolution of Osteichthyes and specialisations of Teleostean fishes.
TERRESTRIAL VERTEBRATES (cfu 2)
Origin of Tetrapods: environmental constraints and preadaptations to life out of water. The Amphibians. Rise of the amniotic egg. Adaptive advantages of amniotic Vetebrates and their evolutionary lineages. The amniotic fauna of Mesozoic.
ENDOTHERM VERTEBRATES (cfu 1)
The plumage rise, characteristics of flight and adaptive aspects of Birds. The Synapsida and the rise of Mammals. Mammal evolutionary lineages and their relationship with reproduction type.
BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS COMMON TO SEVERAL TAXA (cfu 0.5)
Metabolism, and advantages and adaptive aspects of ectothermy and endothermy. The migrations. Mass extinctions and man-caused extinctions. Social structures and mating systems. The process of inurbation.
Pough F.H., Janis C.M., Heiser J.B., Zoologia dei Vertebrati. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano, 2001. (Italian translation of: Pough F.H., Janis C.M., Heiser J.B., Vertebrate Life. 5th Ed. Prentice Hall, 1999).
Other useful textbooks
Benton M.J., Paleontologia dei Vertebrati. Lucisano, Milano, 2000.
Hairston N.G., Vertebrate zoology. An experimental field approach. Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge, 1994.
Maddison D.R. (Ed.), The Tree of Life. University of Arizona [website]
Mitchell L.G., Mutchmor J.A., Dolphin W.D., Zoologia. Zanichelli, Bologna, 1991.