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 diversity in marine domains (benthos, plankton, necton) in relation to the evolved and adaptive traits with particular regard to the Mediterranean Sea.
2) Benthos: animals that relate to seabed. The vertical distribution and the main communities: the littoral system (characterized by the presence of autochthonous plants) and the Mediterranean diversification of the superficial surfaces (splashing area), intertidal (between tide and wave motion), infralitoral, circular. Adaptations of animals in relation to the nature of the substrate, depth, latitude. Representative taxa. Marine bio-constructions: barrier builders.
3) Plankton: Animals floating in the water column. Adaptations: shapes, buoyancy, colors. Classification: dimensional criteria and related to the life cycle. 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 in the air-water interface.
4) Necton: animals that swim actively in the water column. Representative taxa. Adaptation to swimming and adaptive convergences. Invisible barriers.
5) Sea vertebrate partially linked to emerging lands: adaptations and diversity.
6) Animal life in extreme environments:
a) the deep depths: the deep system (characterized by the absence of autotrophic plant) and batial, abysmal, adalicious planes. Adaptations, food shortages, and sex in the abyss.
b) Arctic and Antarctic pole: adaptations to cold.
c) Transition environments: adjustments to the instability of environmental-chemical parameters.

Readings/Bibliography

*COGNETTI-SARA'-MAGAZZU'  "BIOLOGIA MARINA"  Ed. Calderini 2008
*CASTRO-HUBER'  "BIOLOGIA MARINA"  Ed. McGraw-Hill 2011
*HICKMAN-KEEN-LARSON-L'ANSON "DIVERSITA' ANIMALE" Ed. McGraw-Hill 2012
*SABELLI "ATLANTE DI DIVERSITA' E MORFOLOGIA DEGLI INVERTEBRATI" Ed. Piccin 2009
*LARINK-WESTHEIDE "COASTAL PLANKTON" Ed. 2006 Verlag Dr. Friedric Pfeil-Munchen

Teaching methods

Lectures with PowerPoint projection and scientific films; exercises with sorting, macroscopic and microscopic observations of marine samples of the water column and the coastal zone of diverse origins; observations of preserved animals.

Assessment methods

Oral examination and determination of macro and microscopic preserved marine animals.

Teaching tools

Computer, videoprojector. Instrumentation for macro and microscopic observations of marine animals.

Office hours

See the website of Maria Vallisneri