Lecturer:
Rafael de Sá, Office: Gottwald E-108, phone 289-8542
Hours T and Th 10:00-11:00 am, or call for an appointment, preferably use
e-mail: rdesa@richmond.edu
Lecture Text:
Nelson G. Hairston Sr. Vertebrate Zoology.
Lab Manual:
Erik W. Gergus and Gordon W. Schuett. Labs for Vertebrate Zoology, an
evolutionary approach.
Class Meets:
12:30-3:40 T and Th, Gottwald S-111 (includes lecture and lab).
Goal of Course:
In this course we will study the diversity of vertebrates with a systematic
and evolutionary approach. To understand the diversity of vertebrates we
need to study unique adaptations, e.g, ecological. morhological, behavioral,
physiological, etc., of the different vertebrate groups that are the result
of evolution. Understanding and knowing the diversity of vertebrates, and
of organisms in general, is the foundation stone to understand current issues
in conservation biology and the current biodiversity crisis.
Class format:
Class will consist of lectures to illustrate concepts. When appropriate,
recent primary literature will be read to complement lecture information
with recent advances in the evolutionary biology of vertebrates. In those
cases students are expected to read the primary literature place on reserve
by the instructor, quizzes may be given on those articles. Lab will consist
of examination of a variety of organims to illustrate evolutionary changes
and adaptations. Lab will include several computer exercises and models
to illustrate and reinforce biological concepts and to learn modern programs
use in biological analyses.
Final Project:
Students will write a final project on the phylogeny of Pasta. You can work
on all Pasta or a subgroup of Pasta, before starting please check with me
to see if the project is appropiate. Papers will consist of no more than
10 pages of text (double-spaced) not including literature cited, diagrams,
illustrations, etc. You will be required to justify your arguments regarding
species concepts and collection of data for use in a phylogenetic analysis
using cladistic methods. For the subsequent analysis and interpretation
of the data you are expected to use concepts learn during the semester about
species distributions, ecology, morphology, heterochrony, etc.
Attendance and Honor Code:
Students are expected to attend both lectures and lab on a regular basis.
Students in this course will comply to the University of Richmond Honor
Code.
Grading:
This course has three equally weighted test, the third test is given during
exam period and it is comprehensive
| Exam I | 120 points |
| Exam II | 120 points |
| Exam III | 120 points |
| Final Project | 140 points |
| Quizzes, additional reading, etc. | 100 points |
| Total | 600 points |
Grades will be assigned on a 90-80-70-60% basis, no "curve".
A = 600-541
B = 540-481
C = 480-421
D = 420-360
No makeup quizzes, lab or lecture test will be given.
Lab specimens:
All lab specimens are UR property. Students must replace the specimens if
loss or damage occurs, regardless of fault.
Lab hours:
The lab may be used for review outside of regularly scheduled lab hours,
a lab key will be available at the front desk of the science library. The
lab will close at noon on the days of test. Students are not permitted to
study in lab while another class is meeting. If you come to use the laboratory
outside class period.
Please do not leave laboratory open and unattended at any time.
Lab Cleanup:
Each student is responsible for cleaning his/her dissecting tray, table
area and surrounding floor area after each lab and when reviewing material
outside lab hours. Please do not leave your food "remains" in
classroom. Students may be assigned duties (e.g. cleaning sinks) on a rotating
basis. All students will participate in take-down of lab exams and cleaning
of lab after exams.
The course:
Class meetings combine lecture and laboratory work. The biology of Vertebrates
is a large subject, so there is a lot of information to be learned. We will
use mostly an evolutionary approach as a way to synthesize this large amount
of information. Lecture and Laboratory periods will be balance as much as
possible, however this can not always be accomplished.
You are expected to spend time outside of class working in the lab.
| Date | Day | Lecture |
| Jan. 13 | T | Introduction. History of systematics. Classifications and schools |
| Jan. 15 | Th | Species concepts, speciation, heterochrony and evolution |
| Jan. 20 | T | Phylogenetics terms and principles |
| Jan. 22 | Th | cont. phylogenetics systematics |
| Jan. 27 | T | cont. phylogenetics systematics |
| Jan. 29 | Th | Geological time scale, continental drift, Protochordata and Vertebrate's origin |
| Feb. 3 | T | Living vertebrates: agnathas |
| Feb. 5 | Th | Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes |
| Feb. 10 | T | Osteichthyes |
| Feb. 12 | Th | TEST I |
| Feb. 17 | T | Terrestrial vertebrates: Amphibia |
| Feb. 19 | Th | Amniota: Reptiles |
| Feb. 24 | T | Amniota: Birds |
| Feb. 26 | Th | Amniota: Mammals |
| Mar. 3 | T | Mammals |
| Mar. 5 | Th | Vertebrate Ecology: sensing the environment |
| Mar. 17 | T | competition and communities |
| Mar. 19 | Th | Vertebrate biogeography: global patterns |
| Mar. 24 | T | species interactions |
| Mar. 26 | Th | TEST II |
| Mar. 31 | T | Vertebrate migrations: birds |
| Apr. 2 | Th | Vertebrate migrations: birds |
| Apr. 7 | T | Migration of other vertebrates |
| Apr. 9 | Th | Vertebrate Behavior |
| Apr. 14 | T | Territoriality |
| Apr. 16 | Th | Mating |
| Apr. 21 | T | Parental care |
| Apr. 23 | Th | Group behavior |