2004 Biology 204 Section 201

Comparative Vertebrate Zoology

Objective:
This course examines the changes that have occurred in body form and function
throughout the vertebrate phylum. It uses an integrative lab and lecture approach to
examine the evolution of all organ systems in fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and
mammals. It examines how form determines function, how function determines form,
and how both have evolved to allow vertebrates to exploit different environments and life
styles.

Prerequisites:
First year biology is a prerequisite. Biology 205 (Comparative Invertebrate Zoology) is a
companion course. Both Biology 204 and 205 provide a background in whole animal
anatomy, function and evolution that is important for all advanced courses in zoology.

Instructors:
Lecture Bill Milsom Biosciences Room 2354/3324
milsom@zoology.ubc.ca
Office Hours: MWF 9:00-10:30
Lectures: M. W. F. 08:00-09:00 in Wesbrook 100

Laboratory Sandra Millen Biosciences Room 2304

millen@zoology.ubc.ca
Labs: L11 Mon 14:00-17:00 in Room 2353 Biosciences Building
L21 Tue 09:30-12:30
L13 Tue 14:00-17:00
L15 Wed 14:00-17:00
L23 Thu 09:30-12:30
L17 Thu 14:00-17:00
L25 Fri 10:00-13:00

Required Text and Other Materials

Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates (9th edition, 2001)
by G.C. Kent and R.K. Carr (McGraw Hill Publishers)
- available from the Bookstore
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Laboratory Guide
– available from BIOSOC or in lab

Evaluation:
Midterm Exam 10%
Final Lecture Exam 50%
Final Lab Exam 40%

Visit our web sites: http://www.zoology.ubc.ca/%7Emilsom/Bio204.html (Lecture)

http://www.zoology.ubc.ca/courses/biol204 (Lab)
 Biology 204 - 2004 Schedule
DATE LECTURE TOPIC READING LAB TOPIC
ASSIGNMENT
Jan. 5 Introduction - Concepts and Premises Ch 2 No Labs
Jan. 7 Craniate/Vertebrate Characteristics Ch 1
Jan. 9 The Origin of the Craniates Ch 3
Jan. 12 Craniate/Vertebrate Phylogeny I Ch 4 Protochordates, Vertebrate Phylogeny
and Ontogeny
Jan. 14 Craniate/Vertebrate Phylogeny II Ch 4
Jan. 16 Craniate/Vertebrate morphogenesis Ch 5
Jan. 19 Integument Ch 6 Integument
Jan. 21
Jan. 23
Jan. 26 Axial Skeleton Ch 8 Axial and Appendicular Skeleton
Jan. 28
Jan. 30
Feb. 2 Appendicular Skeleton Ch 10 Skulls
Feb. 4
Feb. 6
Feb. 9 Skulls Ch 9 Muscular System
Feb. 11
Feb. 13
Feb. 16- READING BREAK (NO CLASSES) (NO LABS)
20
Feb. 23 Muscular System Ch 11 Digestive System
Feb. 25
Feb. 27
Mar. 1 Digestive System Ch 12 Respiratory System
Mar. 3
Mar. 5
Mar. 8 Respiratory System Ch 13 Circulatory System
Mar. 10
Mar. 12
Mar. 15 Circulatory System Ch 14 Urogenital System
Mar. 17
Mar. 19
Mar. 22 Urogenital System Ch 15 Nervous System
Mar. 24
Mar. 26
Mar. 29 Nervous System Ch 16 LAB EXAM
Mar. 31
Apr. 2
Apr. 5 REVIEW SESSION FOR FINAL
EXAM
Apr. 7
2004 Biology 204 Section 201
Study Questions

At the end of the course you should be able to:

List the major groups of vertebrates
Briefly describe the evolutionary history of each group
Describe the major structures of the vertebrate body
Describe how each structure develops, how it has evolved, and how it functions.

You should then be able to use this information to describe how form determines
function, how function determines form, and how both have evolved to allow
vertebrates to exploit different envrionments and life styles.

The text book is your ultimate source of information. Unless clearly stated otherwise, the
information, as presented in the text, will be taken as the final authority.

Carefully review the summaries at the end of the text chapters.

Attempt to answer all of the "Critical Thinking Questions" at the end of the text chapters.