37645 - Animal Adaptation in the Marine Environment

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has advanced knowledge on the integrated regulation of the physiological systems of marine animals and on the biochemical, molecular and cellular processes on which this is based. In particular, he is able to identify and describe organism-environment relationships, knows the mechanisms of perception of the environment and communication in water, the integration of responses to environmental variations typical of coastal waters and estuaries or encountered during migrations , the adaptation strategies of marine mammals to the aquatic environment.

Course contents

• Osmoregulation in acquatico invertebrates and vertebrates  
• Adaptations of respiratory systems to aquatic life
• Adaptations of circulatory systems to aquatic life
• Swim and buoyancy  
• Thermal regulation and thermal stress responses in thermally stable and thermally variable environments 
• orientation in the marine environment 
  

Readings/Bibliography

Fisiologia degli animali marini - II edizione. Autori A. Poli ed E. Fabbri. Casa Editrice Edises, Napoli

Teaching methods

• A. Poli, E. Fabbri. Fisiologia degli animali marini. Edises
• teaching material available online
• Laboratory practises

Assessment methods

The exam is written, and aims to evaluate the knowledge skills acquired during the lessons. The exam will be composed of open questions to be answered with synthesis. Not the laboratory practices, students will have to produce a short report to be delivered along with the written exam. The final exam score will be: 70% score of written exam + 30% score of the lab practice report. 

Per delibera del Consiglio di Corso di Laurea il voto finale assegnato all’esame può essere rifiutato fino ad un massimo di due volte

Teaching tools

Powerpoint, Scientific articles, multimedia.  Classroom discussion 

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Franzellitti