BIOL 214 Comparative Vertebrate Morphology provides students with an introduction to the major principles of vertebrate structure and function. Topics include vertebrate embryology, integument, musculoskeletal systems, digestive systems, cardiorespiratory systems, nervous systems, and phylogenetics. By comparing anatomical and physiological differences across taxa, students will examine evolutionary principles as they apply to the occurrence of unique physiological strategies and structures. Throughout the course, students will connect differences in morphology to differences in physiological function, behaviour, and ecology. Laboratory exercises include dissections, specimen examinations, field activities, and demonstrations from local biologists. Indigenous perspectives, publications, and traditional uses of local species will be discussed as they pertain to animal physiology.
Notes:
Prerequisites: Biology 104 and 106 with a minimum grade of 60%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 90 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Describe the basic form of musculoskeletal, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, urinary, nervous, and reproductive systems in each of the major extant vertebrate taxa.
- Identify synapomorphies which are used to define each of the major extant vertebrate taxa.
- Use phylogenetics to assess evolutionary relatedness and place the appearance of key traits within the trajectory of vertebrate evolution.
- Apply embryological and evolutionary information to determine if traits are homologous.
- Analyze the behaviour/ecology of vertebrate species based on an understanding of morphology and the physiological functions of body systems.
- Interpret anatomical diagrams to identify key structures during dissections.
- Apply storytelling and communication principles to the delivery of oral presentations and written reports.
- Integrate primary literature into scientific reports that is inclusive of both western and Indigenous science.
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage | Letter Grade | GPA |
| 90-100 | A+ | 4.33 |
| 85-89 | A | 4.00 |
| 80-84 | A- | 3.67 |
| 76-79 | B+ | 3.33 |
| 72-75 | B | 3.00 |
| 68-71 | B- | 2.67 |
| 64-67 | C+ | 2.33 |
| 60-63 | C | 2.00 |
| 55-59 | C- | 1.67 |
| 50-54 | P | 1.00 |
| 0-49 | F | 0.00 |
| DNW | 0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.