72830 - Marine Zoology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will know the different aspects of the life cycle of marine species that constitute 'case studies', particularly with regard to the fisheries resources and the main methods of analysis for taxa representative of the domains marine (plankton, benthos, nekton) in relation the evolutionary and adaptive traits. The student is also able to design a study concerning certain significant phases of the life cycle, such as reproduction, growth, feeding.

Course contents

1) Animal biodiversity in marine domains (benthos, plankton, nekton) in relation to evolutive and adaptive traits and recent climate and global changes.
2) Benthos: animals dwelling the seabed. The vertical distribution and the main communities: the littoral system and the diversification of the superficial surfaces), intertidal, infralittoral, circalittoral of the Mediterranean Sea. Animal adaptations in relation to the substrate, depth, latitude. Representative taxa. Marine bioconstructions: barrier builders.
3) Plankton: Animals floating in the water column. Adaptations: shapes, buoyancy, colors. Classification: dimensional criteria related to their life cycles. Oloplancton: representative taxa. Meroplankton: the larvae. Spatial distribution of zooplankton; Bipolar species. Vertical migrations. The power supply. The role of zooplankton in the cycle of matter. Animals living into the air-water interface.
4) Nekton: animals actively swimming in the water column. Representative taxa. Adaptation to swim and adaptive convergences. Invisible barriers.
5) Sea vertebrates partially linked to emerging lands: adaptations and diversity.
6) Animal life in extreme environments:
the deepest sea: the deep system, and bathyal, abyssal planes. Adaptations, food shortages and reproductive strategies;
Arctic and Antarctic poles: adaptations to cold;
Transition environments: adaptations to the instability of environmental-chemical parameters.

Readings/Bibliography

Cognetti Sarà Magazzù "Biologia Marina" Ed. Edagricole-New Business Media 2010

Castro Huber "Biologia Marina" Ed. McGraw-Hill

Danovaro "Biologia marina. Biodiversità e funzionamento degli ecosistemi marini” Ed. UTET

Hickman, Keen, Eisenhour, Larson, Lanson, Arizza, Coppellotti, Guidolin “Zoologia” Ed. Mc Graw Hill

Casiraghi de Eguileor Cerrano Puce “Zoologia” Ed. UTET

 

Teaching material and scientific papers proposed and provided by academic lecturers

Teaching methods

Lectures with PowerPoint projection and scientific films related to adaptations and life processes of representative fauna of marine domains and extreme environments. Observation and sorting of macroscopic and microscopic samples of marine taxa living in the water column and the coastal zone with different geographic origin. Observation of preserved animals.

Assessment methods

Oral exam on the program with recognition of micro and macroscopic marine animals.

Teaching tools

Slide presentations

Lab-tutorials and digital handbook for practicals

Peer-review scientific papers

Office hours

See the website of Alessia Cariani