Animal Diversity

Abstract

This subject focuses on the classification and identification of invertebrates and vertebrates. The emphasis is on the major groups in Australian fauna, their evolutionary relationships, and the use of keys for identifying them. The subject provides a good, solid grounding in what types of animals exist, how they are distinguished from other animals, and what their form and functions are. The subject also gives students a solid foundation in how animal anatomy, physiology, morphology, and behaviour are related to the environments in which these animals live through laboratory work. On completion students will have skills in the collection, identification, and description of animals and be able to apply these skills to interpret and communicate the finding of a fauna survey or collection within an ecological and management context.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: Biogeography of major terrestrial and aquatic animal groups in Australia;Evolutionary relationships of world fauna in general, Australian fauna in particular;Overview of characteristics of the major vertebrate and invertebrate groups including morphology, physiology, reproduction, respiration, digestion and excretion and behaviour;Classification and identification of mainly … For more content click the Read More button below.

This subject will cover the following topics:

Biogeography of major terrestrial and aquatic animal groups in Australia;
Evolutionary relationships of world fauna in general, Australian fauna in particular;
Overview of characteristics of the major vertebrate and invertebrate groups including morphology, physiology, reproduction, respiration, digestion and excretion and behaviour;
Classification and identification of mainly Australian terrestrial and aquatic fauna using keys; and
Collection, preservation, storage and presentation techniques.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

have a comprehensive understanding of the key features of major animal groups worldwide;

critically apply evolutionary theory to identify the relationships among different animals groups;

have specialised skills in the classification and taxomony of animals including the ability to use dichotomous keys;

have specialised skills in the collection, preservation, storage and description of reference collections; and

have the ability to interpret and communicate the finding of a fauna survey, collection, and list clearly and coherently these findings within an ecological and management context.

Learning activities

Intensive School

In this subject students gain a comprehensive understanding of classification and identification of the invertebrates and vertebrates. Ten practical exercises, including dissection, identification and diversity work.are undertaken with a diversity of animal species and a range of specialist equipment. This enables a critical understanding of animal anatomy, how animals function, and the use of identification techniques such as dichotomous keys.

Duration3 days

Learning resources

Additional resources required by students

The intensive school associated with this subject may incur travel and accommodation expenses for students.

Handbook