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Semester 2

Animal Biology 2 (BILG08011)

Subject

Biology

College

SCE

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

2

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Course Summary

The course starts with a look at the evolution of animal body plans and physiological systems through the radiations of animal life and leads on to a series of lectures on animal adaptations in marine environments. The course then looks at the evolution and diversification of vertebrate body plans, leading into a detailed study of the mammals. The course ends with a section on animal associations, including symbiosis and parasitism, and considers the adaptations associated with living in or on other animals.

Course Description

Animal Biology 2 sets out to understand the structure and function of animal bodies, the evolutionary forces that have driven the diversification of animal life, and the relationships between the major groups.The first section on Invertebrate Groups traces the evolution of body plans from sea anemones through to fishes. We examine theories for the evolution of multi-cellular life, and for the diversification of body plans and life histories among the major groups. The second section on Marine Biology considers the ecology and behaviour of these invertebrate groups in marine environments. We focus on life cycles, feeding and locomotion, with special reference to adaptations for life in the open ocean, on the sea bed, and in the intertidal zone.The third section on the Origin and Diversification of Vertebrates considers the origin of vertebrates and their diversification through the major radiations of reptiles, birds and mammals. The fourth section focuses on the Biology of Mammals as an example of a single taxon of animals showing great variation in form and function within a single general body plan.The final Animal Associations section examines the ecology and adaptation of parasitic animals, and evolutionary interactions with their hosts.Throughout, the lectures incorporate behaviour and ecology as well as morphology and phylogeny. Throughout, the lectures incorporate behaviour and ecology as well as morphology and phylogeny. Practical work and films are used to illustrate the lectures and to introduce students to hands-on study of animal diversity and adaptive radiation. Assessed components consist of five course quizzes (one for each course section) worth 10% each (50% total) and an in-person, open book Practical test held in the semester 2 exam diet.

Assessment Information

Written Exam 0%, Coursework 50%, Practical Exam 50%

Additional Assessment Information

5 x Course Quizzes - 10% each (50% total), Practical Exam (50%).Extension requests are not permissible for the Practical Exam as this assessment is a specimen based, in person test.

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