SZA 3102: VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY (45 LH)

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE

To equip learners with a good general knowledge of the major vertebrates  groups with emphasis on evolutionary relationships (phylogeny), comparative body structure, functional and adaptive significance of structural components of their bodies and importance.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

It is expected that by the end of the course unit the learner should be able to:

1. Describe the environments of vertebrates, features, challenges and adaptations for survival.
2. Discuss the origin, structural organization, the phylogenetic tree in animal kingdom and the basis of the classification schemes of vertebrates
3. Explain the economic importance of different vertebrate phyla

COURSE CONTENT

Introduction to vertebrates; vertebrate environments, origin of vertebrates; the vertebrates: a survey of vertebrate groups emphasizing their habits, structural features, comparative functional anatomy and evolutionary relationships. The Chordate phylogeny and characteristics, the Protochordates; Hemichordata, Cephalochordata, Urochordata: Economic importance of different vertebrate phyla