12212 - Veterinary Zoology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students will know the principles of Zoology and Taxonomy with particular reference to Vertebrates and will be able to recognize main vertebrates of veterinary interest.

Course contents

GENERAL ZOOLOGY - Division of living beings: prokaryotes (Archaebacteria and Eubacteria) and eukaryotes (protists, fungi, plants and animals). Autotrophic vs heterotrophic organisms. Definition of "animal life". Fundamentals of Taxonomy: concept of species and speciation, wildlife and native species, animal biodiversity, main categories systematic zoological nomenclature; evolutionary relationships among the major groups of animals (diblastics and triblastics, acoelomats and coelomate , protostomes and deuterostomes). Reproductive Processes of Animals: asexual reproduction; sexual reproduction; metagenesis; spermatogenesis and oogenesis; fertilization; parthenogenesis; heterogony; sexuality in animals.

SPECIAL ZOOLOGY - Vertebrate Zoology: Classification of CHORDATES, principal morphological and biological characteristics; CARTILAGINOUS FISHES (Sharks and Rays), BONY FISHES (Acipenseriformes, herrings, salmons, carps, catfish, eels, cods, Lophiformes, Perciformes, flatfishes) AMPHIBIANS (Caudata and Anura), REPTILES (Squamata and Testudinata) BIRDS (Ciconiiformes, Charadriiformes, Anseriformes, Falconiformes, Accipitriformes, Columbiformes, Galliformes, Strigiformes, Passeriformes) and MAMMALS (monotremes, marsupials and placentals, insectivores, bats, rodents, lagomorphs, carnivores, Artiodactyla and Cetacea). Invertebrate zoology: notes on MOLLUSCS (Bivalves, Gastropods and Cephalopods), ARTHROPODS (crustaceans, insects and arachnids) and HELMINTHS (Plathelminthes and Nemathelminthes) of veterinary interest.

Note: all species described belong to Italian fauna

Readings/Bibliography

• Animal Diversity – Cleveland Hickman, Jr; Larry Roberts; Susan Keen; Allan Larson; David Eisenhour
• Integrated Principles of Zoology – Cleveland Hickman, Jr.; Susan Keen; Allan Larson; David Eisenhour; Helen I'Anson; Larry Roberts
• Zoology – Stephen Miller; John Harley

Teaching methods

Teacher-led lessons, laboratory classes and visits to museums.

During the laboratory classes it is advisable to wear a lab coat. If necessary, disposable gloves will be provided.

Assessment methods

Multiple choice test consisting in 22 questions: 19 on general issues covered during lessons and 3 of identification and classification of animal species.

The test is considered passed with at least 13 right answers in multiple choice part and 2 correct identification/classification. Time available to complete the test: 45 minutes.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint presentations. Lectures will be supplemented by practical laboratorywhich purpose is to give the students the opportunity to observe the animals that have been described during the teacher-led lessons. Educational visits of Comparative Anatomy and Zoology museums.

Learning goals will be periodically tested by interactive learning supports (clickers)

Office hours

See the website of Ilaria Guarniero