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ZOOL0206-1

Animal systematics and phylogeny


Duration :15h Th, 15h Pr, 4d FW
Credits/ECTS :
1st "licence" in biological sciences (zoology) 5
Holder(s) :Pierre Vandewalle
Course contents : The theoretical course is divided in chapter. Each chapter itself is a separate part of the course but it is also necessary to the following ones.



Chapter 1. Introduction, review of basic concepts and morphological notions on the skeleton and musculature.

Chapter 2. Review of structures observed in the Cephalochords and Urochords.

Chapter 3. Aquatic locomotion: case of the Elasmobranches and Teleosts..

Chapter 4. Aquatic feeding in the Elasmobranches and Teleosts.

Chapter 5. Transition to terrestrial life: functional transformations in the Sarcopterygians.

Chapter 6. The Lissamphibians or the permanent passage to life on earth.

Chapter 7. Origin of the Reptiles and cranium kinetics.

Chapter 8. Feeding and flight in Birds.

Chapter 9. Basic principles of terestrial locomotion in Mammals.



Practical courses are principally focussed on the observation of the muscle-skeleton system of a Selacian, several Teleosts, an Amphibian, a Bird and a Mammal. For ethic reasons and wild life protection, all animals used in the practical courses are coming from fishing or farms. A part of practical courses constituted by a bibliographical research realised by small student groups.
Course objective : Organisms are constituted of a whole set of structures that assure their survival by participating to the accomplishment of vital functions. The shape of the animals and of their different elements is a compromise meeting the requirements of these functions. The aim of the course is to show how the muscle-skeleton system of the different greater groups of Vertebrates adapted to realise essential functions such as locomotion or feeding.
Prerequisites : Good knowledge of the Vertebrate part of the 1st Bachelor course in animal Biology.
Organization : The theory courses take place during the second quadrimester in 20h at the Sart Tilman campus or at the Zoology Institute (quai Van Beneden) depending on availabilities.

The practical course is 30h long and will be divided in 10 afternoons during the second quadrimester: 5 afternoons are devoted observations and 5 "free" afternoons are schedule for the realisation of the group work.
Written notes : Many illustrations for the whole course.

Complete written notes for some chapters (complementary explanations could however be added during the classes) and partial notes for other parts.

Practical notes.

Several books advised depending on the interest and demands of the students.
Assessment : The exam is oral. It includes 2 questions drawn by the student. The latter
has 45 minutes to prepare his answers and can use his notes. When interrogated, the student can use illustrations from his course in order to base his answers The group work is taked in accountil, the oral exam is successful and is then worth 1/3 of the final mark.
Contacts : Pierre VANDEWALLE, Institut de Chimie (Bât . B6c), Sart Tilman. Tél. : 04 3665040.

Eric PARMENTIER, Institut de Chimie (Bât. B6c), Sart Tilman. Tél. : 04 3665024.




ULg : Students and Studies Administration - Academic Affairs
Contact : Monique Marcourt, direction A.E.E.
Date of data : 27/02/2006
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