Animal Diversity

The main concepts of the course are relating to: the ingredients of animal diversity, comparative overview of the structure and function of animal bodies, the distribution of animals in space and time, matter and the conservation of animal species and animal diversity of Greece.

Objectives

Course Objectives: - Acquiring a knowledge of animal diversity of the Earth and Greece in particular, the factors that shape on the allocation of space and time, for the threats and the measures to be taken to ensure the maintainance of the diversity. - Acquiring skills for the study of animal diversity, both in the laboratory and in the field. For successful completion of these objectives is necessary that the students have successfully completed either the theoretical or the laboratory part of the course Zoology I and II.

Prerequisites

General prerequisite knowledge and preparation for possible monitoring of the course: - Zoology I (102) http://eclass.uoa.gr/courses/BIOL106/ - Zoology II (203) http://eclass.uoa.gr/courses/BIOL114/

Syllabus

Syllabus. Introduction : Definition. The components of animal diversity. The measurement of diversity. Comparative view of the structure and function of animals: Differentiation of body plans. Structural and functional adaptations. The distribution of animals in space and time: The distribution of animals in space. Zoogeographical provinces. Endemism. Areas of high diversity and endemism. Island zoogeography. The differentiation of animal diversity in time. The importance and conservation of animals: Threats to animal species. The conservation of animals. The diversity of the fauna of Greece: Species, descriptions, behaviour, geographical distribution, threats, conservation measures. Practicals. 1. Comparative study of limbs and movement. 2. Study of morphological adaptations of insects. 3. Faunal comparisons, historical biogeography, phylogeography. 4. Island biogeography. 5. Case studies of conservation plans of animals in Greece. 6. Terrestrial arthropods: methods of study and identification of major groups. 7. Amphibians and reptiles: methods of study, identification and diversity in Greece. 8. Birds: methods of study, diversity in the Balkans and migration. 9. Mammals: methods of study, identification of skulls and tracks and analysis of pellets. 10. Field exercise.