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Unit Overview

Description

This unit will focus on the spectrum of animal diversity, from single celled organisms through to vertebrates. This diversity will be categorised systematically into the 35 phyla, and classes of the major phyla, the organisation of which reflects their evolutionary history. The evolution of animals will be illustrated using the classic study of the change in body structure (‘bauplans'), from simple to complex tissues, organs, segmentation, limbs and other body parts. This will be compared with evolution discerned by modern molecular sequence methods, and how the differences between these methods can be understood. Factors influencing the evolution of animal diversity will be explored, within and between phyla, in the context of coincidental changes in climate, geology, and ecology throughout evolutionary history. Theoretical concepts developed during lectures will be explored in laboratory classes. Representative species from major phyla and classes will be examined to understand body structure, and to demonstrate the characters used to categorise animals into phyla and classes.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 core unit in the Zoology; Wildlife Conservation; Environmental Science and Ecology; Biodiversity and Evolution major sequences
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify all animal phyla using anatomical characters; (2) identify classes, and sometimes orders, within major phyla using anatomical characters; (3) describe the body structure (‘bauplans') of various animal phyla; (4) explain evolutionary relationships of the animal phyla, including changes in bauplans; (5) relate anatomy and bauplans to physiology and ecology; (6) relate co-evolutionary changes in anatomy and bauplan between phyla; and (7) demonstrate basic laboratory techniques associated with examining and handling zoological specimens.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) theory tests, with MCQ and short answer questions; (2) wiki presentation ; and (3) laboratory work, including handling and dissection of specimens, identifying anatomy and diagnostic features. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Theodore Evans and Dr Robin Hare
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
Unit(s) BIOL1131 Plant and Animal Biology (ID 1244)
Contact hours
2 hours per week
Texts

Hickman, R., Keen, E., Larson A. and L’Anson H. Integrated Principles of Zoology: McGrawHill (any edition from 15th onwards)  

  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
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  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.