BIOLOGY 413X/513X  3CR - FUNCTIONAL MORPHOLOGY OF ANIMALS

COURSE SYLLABUS - FALL 2001

 

Lecture: TR 12:30 – 1:45, BISC B111b
Instructor: Dr. Cheryl Wilga, BISC B114, cwilga@uri.edu, 874-9020
Office Hours: TBA, appointments are welcome
Suggested Reference: Hildebrand and Goslow. 2001. Analysis of Vertebrate Structure. 5th ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York.
Handout Material from: Hildebrand, M., D.M. Bramble, K.F. Liem, and D.B. Wake. 1985. Functional Vertebrate Morphology. Harvard University Press: Cambridge (out of print).
Prerequisites: 413X  BIO204 or BIO 466 Recommended; 513X Graduate Standing.

  

Date Lecture  Topic

Reference + Handout Chapters

Sep 6 R

Introduction to Functional Morphology

 

Sep 11 T

Structural Elements of the Body

Reference 21

Sep 13  R

Mechanics of Support and Movement

Reference 22

Sep 18 T

Form, Function, and Body Size

Reference 23

Sep 20 R

Walking and Running

Reference 24 + Handout 3

Sep 25 T

Jumping and Leaping

         “           + Handout 4

Sep 27 R

Digging of Quadrupeds

Reference 25 + Handout 6

Oct 2 T

Crawling Without Appendages

        “            + Handout 9

Oct 4 R

Climbing

Reference 26 + Handout 5

Oct 9 T

Exam 1 (Introduction - Crawling)

 

Oct 11 R

Swimming 1

Reference 27 + Handout 7

Oct 16 T

Swimming 2

         “                   “

Oct 18 R

Diving

         “                   “

Oct 23 T

Flying, Gliding and Soaring

Reference 28 + Handout 8

Oct 25 R

Flying, Gliding and Soaring

         “                   “

Oct 30 T

Respiration

Handout 11

Nov 1 R

Respiration/Cardiovascular

        “                  

Nov 6 T

Aquatic Feeding 1

Reference 30 + Handout 12

Nov 8 R

Exam 2 (Climbing - Respiration)

 

Nov 13 T

Aquatic Feeding 2

          “                   “

Nov 15 R

Terrestrial Feeding

Reference 30 + Handout 13

Nov 20 T

Mastication, Food Transport and Swallowing

Reference 30 + Handout 14

Nov 22-23

Thanksgiving Break – no class

 

Nov 27 T

Echolocation

Handout

Nov 29 R

Electricity

Handout

Dec 4 T

Class Symposium

 

Dec 6 R

Class Symposium

 

Dec 11-12

Reading Days

 

Dec 198-11 am

Final Exam (Feeding - Presentations)

 

Jan 3

Grades Available

 

 

 


BIOLOGY 413X/513X  3CR - FUNCTIONAL MORPHOLOGY

COURSE DESCRIPTION - FALL 2001

 

In this course we will explore the biological role of organismal design using the concepts of functional morphology. We will examine major functional systems of a diversity of animals to examine how they have evolved solutions to similar design problems. Topics covered include: basic definitions; structural elements; body support, scaling and allometry; locomotion; respiration; feeding; electricity; and echolocation. Emphasis will be on vertebrates but invertebrate examples will be drawn upon as well.

 

Three lecture exams will be given, the last during the final exam period. These exams will consist of a combination of short answer and essay questions. Grading: An A denotes excellent work, B good work, a C fair work, and a D poor work.

 

Readings of current original research papers in the field of functional morphology will supplement the lecture material. Each of you will select a topic from those listed in the syllabus, and present a paper on that topic to the class at the end of that lecture day. The paper must be selected from recent issues (1985 on) of the Journal of Experimental Biology (available at the library, searchable contents online at http://jeb.biologists.org), approved by me and a copy provided to me at least one week prior to your presentation. Students will be graded on their oral presentation and a one page typed summary turned in at the time of the oral presentation, both of which should address the goals of the research, the methods employed to carry out those goals, and a short discussion of the results. Oral presentations may be in any format (e.g. overheads, slides, powerpoint, video, audio) necessary to enlighten your audience. Only one presentation per lecture day (i.e. only 2 possible presentations on respiration) so let me know as soon as you choose your topic.

 

Students enrolled in 413X will present a second presentation/report as described above while students enrolled in 513X will write a review paper on recent advancements in an area of functional morphological research and give an oral presentation of the topic. These will be due and presented at the class symposium during the last two days of class.

 

Grading                                                413X               513X  
3     Lecture exams                               60%                 60%
1st   Oral Presentation/Paper                 15%                 15%
2nd  Oral Presentation/Paper                 25%                 25%