Diversity and Evolution of Present-Day and Past Metazoans N3

The main objective is to learn the basics of the comparative anatomy of chordates so that we can compare and classify them, before tracing the key stages of their evolutionary history. The course is integrative in that it draws on both extant organisms and the fossil record to document the evolutionary history of the clade in its entirety and from all angles. Anatomical, biomechanical, phylogenetic, and ecomorphological approaches will be covered in lectures to illustrate the diversity and major characteristics of chordates. The lab sessions (and tutorials) will illustrate the evolution of diversity in the integument, skeleton, musculature, and digestive and respiratory systems over long time scales.

Course Units: Diversity and Evolution of Present-Day and Past Metazoans—Levels 1 and 2 (HAV314H and HAV408H, L2 S3 and S4), if possible

- Apply fundamental concepts and technologies from evolutionary biology, phylogenetics, and paleontology to address a problem in the field and/or analyze a research paper or presentation;

- Identify and select various specialized resources to research a topic;

- Analyze and synthesize data for use;

- Develop an argument using logic and critical thinking;