Ecobiology

General skills The course focuses on some of the themes dealt with in the Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates. The Vertebrates will be treated from the point of view of phylogenetic systematics, with particular regard to the adaptive aspects that have characterized the most important stages of its evolution. In particular, will be presented the most recent research investigating the evolutionary history of vertebrates based on the discovery of new fossils, on molecular phylogeny, and on the relationship between evolution and development. The course deals mainly with macro-evolutionary topics, but there are numerous examples of intraspecific evolution (microevolution) that concern modifications of anatomical structures of such entity that they can be compared to those that occur during macroevolution. Specific skills A) Knowledge and understanding - Knowledge and in-depth understanding of the systematics and diversity of vertebrates. - Knowledge and in-depth understanding of current theories concerning the phylogenetic relationships of current and extinct vertebrates. - Knowledge and understanding of the interpretation of phylogenetic trees. The use of phylogenetic trees, built on a molecular basis, to understand the evolution of anatomical structures. - Knowledge of recent paleontological discoveries that have played an important role in understanding the evolution of vertebrates. The genetic bases of morphological changes in macro and micro-evolutionary fields. B) Applying knowledge and understanding - know how to use specific terminology. - knowing how to interpret a phylogenetic tree. - understand the main results contained in a scientific article concerning specific aspects of vertebrate evolutionary history (in the paleontological, molecular phylogenetic, Evo-Devo). C) Making judgements - Through the lectures, set up to stimulate the curiosity and the critical sense, the student will learn to ask the correct questions for the elaboration and the deepening of the subjects object of the course. D) Communication skills - Know how to communicate what has been learned in the course. Furthermore, the test includes the presentation of an in-depth topic prepared through the study of some scientific articles. This will highlight the skills of synthesis and the ability to respond to timely and critical questions on specific aspects identified by the teacher. E) Learning skills - learning the specific terminology - be able to make the logical connections between the topics covered - be able to identify the most relevant topics