Scienze Biologiche | COMPARATIVE ANATOMY

cod. 0512800001

COMPARATIVE ANATOMY

	0512800001
	DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGY "ADOLFO ZAMBELLI"
	EQF6
	BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
	2022/2023

PERCORSO SHARED STUDY PLAN

	OBBLIGATORIO
	YEAR OF COURSE 2
	YEAR OF DIDACTIC SYSTEM 2016
	SPRING SEMESTER

TEACHING UNITS

	SSD	CFU	HOURS	ACTIVITY	TYPE OF ACTIVITY
	BIO/06	6	48	LESSONS	BASIC COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

EXAMS

	Exam	Date	Session
	ANATOMIA COMPARATA	27/06/2023 - 09:00	SESSIONE ORDINARIA

	Objectives
	Knowledge and understanding: The course aims to provide basic knowledge on the anatomical organization and morpho-functional complexity of vertebrates, from an evolutionary perspective, and with references to the early stages of their embryonic development. Application of knowledge and understanding: Students should be able to recognize the main anatomical structures of the different vertebrate groups and the relationship between form and function.

Knowledge and understanding:
The course aims to provide basic knowledge on the anatomical organization and morpho-functional complexity of vertebrates, from an evolutionary perspective, and with references to the early stages of their embryonic development.
Application of knowledge and understanding:
Students should be able to recognize the main anatomical structures of the different vertebrate groups and the relationship between form and function.

	Prerequisites
	Basic knowledge of cytology, histology and zoology is recommended.

	Contents
	This course deals with the morphological and molecular mechanism that underlie development and evolution of animals, using vertebrates as the main model. In particular, the following topics are addressed: Part I: Fundamentals for the study of vertebrate anatomy -Basic concepts of comparative anatomy: the comparative method and functional anatomy; homology and analogy; structural plane of vertebrates. (Lessons: 2h) -Classification of living organisms and models of evolutionary processes; speciation and biodiversity; phylogenetic reconstruction and synapomorphies. Evolutionary developmental biology (Evo-Devo): Understanding of the close relationships between changes during embryonic development and the morphological innovations that followed the evolution of the vertebrate. (Lessons: 4h) -The evolutionary history of vertebrates: from the Cambrian to the pisciform sarcopterygians. The tetrapods and the evolutionary innovations that allowed the vertebrates to colonize the emerged lands. (Lessons: 4h) Part II: Protection and support -Structural and functional aspects of the integument; analysis of adaptations in the different vertebrate classes. (Lessons: 4h) -Organization and functions of the skeletal system: evolutionary meaning of cephalization in vertebrates; structural and phylogenetic aspects of the cranium in the main vertebrate taxa; post-cranial axial structures and their modifications following the transition from the aquatic to the terrestrial environment; appendicular skeleton, fins and evolution of the limb of tetrapods. (Lessons: 6h) Part III: integration -General organization of the central and peripheral nervous system; structural and functional analysis of the spinal cord, spinal nerves and cranial nerves in the different taxa; importance of the comparative approach for understanding how the vertebrate brain has evolved; the sense organs, comparison in the different taxa. (Lessons: 10h) Part IV: Metabolism -Functions and components of the circulatory system; blood circulation models (simple, double complete and incomplete circulation), heart and aortic arches in the different vertebrate groups. (Lessons: 4h) -Evolution of the respiratory system and adaptation to the aquatic and terrestrial environment; gills, lungs, air sacs and respiratory mechanisms in the different taxa. (Lessons: 4h) -The digestive system: analysis of the structural and functional aspects of the different regions of the vertebrate alimentary canal and differences in relation to the environment, the metabolic level and the diet; the specialized extraparietal glands associated with the alimentary canal; the teeth, homodontia and heterodontia. (Lessons: 6h) -The urinary system: evolution of the vertebrate kidney, structural and functional aspects; osmoregulation and extrarenal structures. (Lessons: 4h)

Contents

This course deals with the morphological and molecular mechanism that underlie development and evolution of animals, using vertebrates as the main model. In particular, the following topics are addressed:
Part I: Fundamentals for the study of vertebrate anatomy
-Basic concepts of comparative anatomy: the comparative method and functional anatomy; homology and analogy; structural plane of vertebrates. (Lessons: 2h)
-Classification of living organisms and models of evolutionary processes; speciation and biodiversity; phylogenetic reconstruction and synapomorphies. Evolutionary developmental biology (Evo-Devo): Understanding of the close relationships between changes during embryonic development and the morphological innovations that followed the evolution of the vertebrate. (Lessons: 4h)
-The evolutionary history of vertebrates: from the Cambrian to the pisciform sarcopterygians. The tetrapods and the evolutionary innovations that allowed the vertebrates to colonize the emerged lands. (Lessons: 4h)
Part II: Protection and support
-Structural and functional aspects of the integument; analysis of adaptations in the different vertebrate classes. (Lessons: 4h)
-Organization and functions of the skeletal system: evolutionary meaning of cephalization in vertebrates; structural and phylogenetic aspects of the cranium in the main vertebrate taxa; post-cranial axial structures and their modifications following the transition from the aquatic to the terrestrial environment; appendicular skeleton, fins and evolution of the limb of tetrapods. (Lessons: 6h)
Part III: integration
-General organization of the central and peripheral nervous system; structural and functional analysis of the spinal cord, spinal nerves and cranial nerves in the different taxa; importance of the comparative approach for understanding how the vertebrate brain has evolved; the sense organs, comparison in the different taxa. (Lessons: 10h)
Part IV: Metabolism
-Functions and components of the circulatory system; blood circulation models (simple, double complete and incomplete circulation), heart and aortic arches in the different vertebrate groups. (Lessons: 4h)
-Evolution of the respiratory system and adaptation to the aquatic and terrestrial environment; gills, lungs, air sacs and respiratory mechanisms in the different taxa. (Lessons: 4h)
-The digestive system: analysis of the structural and functional aspects of the different regions of the vertebrate alimentary canal and differences in relation to the environment, the metabolic level and the diet; the specialized extraparietal glands associated with the alimentary canal; the teeth, homodontia and heterodontia. (Lessons: 6h)
-The urinary system: evolution of the vertebrate kidney, structural and functional aspects; osmoregulation and extrarenal structures. (Lessons: 4h)

	Teaching Methods
	The teaching includes 48 hours (6 CFU) of lectures which take place in the classroom with the help of projections. Class attendance is not mandatory but highly recommended.

	Verification of learning
	The achievement of the teaching objectives is verified by passing an exam which will be held at the end of the course in correspondence with the exam dates scheduled by the Department. The exam consists of a 30-minute written test structured with mixed questions on all the topics presented during the lessons. The evaluation is in thirtieths and the test is passed with a minimum score of 18/30.

	Texts
	OOLOGIA - HICKMAN, MCGRAW-HILL ED., V. Stingo et al., ANATOMIA COMPARATA, Edi-Ermes Liem et al., Anatomia comparata dei Vertebrati, EDISES

	More Information
	The student will use the teaching material (lecture notes, scientific articles, etc.) available on the Department's website. The teacher is available to receive students on the days indicated in the teacher's page and/or on request sent by email.

Lessons Timetable

BETA VERSION Data source ESSE3 [Ultima Sincronizzazione: 2023-06-01]