Overview

Organismal Diversity 2 will introduce students to the diversity of the deuterostomes. Moving from invertebrate classes such as the echinoderms, hemichordates, and tunicates through to the vertebrate classes familiar to all: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals this module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the origin, evolution, functional morphology and phylogeny of these groups.

This module will cover the evolutionary history and phylogenetic relationships, diversity, morphological characteristics and physiological adaptations of the deuterostomes; such as the echinoderms, hemichordates and related minor phyla, along with the cephalochordates, the tunicates and the five vertebrate taxa. General taxonomy, body form, physiology and life history will be studied to give an appreciation of the multiple aspects of deuterostome biodiversity.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment will consist of four MCQ Online tests conducted during the Semester teaching block, that will test knowledge of the previous weeks teaching. The will then be an end of year Online Exam that will consist of MCQ, numerical and work placement questions that cover the entire module's teaching content and include questions may compare and contrast difference between different clades and classes or organism.

Excellent A- to A+: Comprehensive factual knowledge about diversity of deuterostome invertebrate and chordate animals with highly accurate knowledge about function of evolutionary adaptations seen in different groups and classification criteria. Excellent ability to compare taxa and show some reasoning when considering similarities and differences between these.

Very good B- to B+: Good factual knowledge about diversity of deuterostome invertebrate and chordate animals with demonstrable accurate knowledge about function of evolutionary adaptations seen in different groups and classification criteria. A student achieving 2:1 grades in the module overall will have a good ability to compare taxa and show some reasoning when considering similarities and differences between these.

Good C- to C+: Reasonable factual knowledge about diversity of deuterostome invertebrate and chordate animals with some knowledge about function of evolutionary adaptations seen in different groups and awareness of classification criteria. A student achieving 2:2 grades in the module overall will have a reasonable ability to compare taxa.

Threshold -D- to D+: Adequate factual knowledge about diversity of deuterostome invertebrate and chordate animals with some basic knowledge about function of evolutionary adaptations seen in different groups. Some basic comprehension of reasons for comparative differences seen between taxa.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply knowledge of the distinguishing characteristics of different organisms to correctly infer their phylogenetic position within the tree of life .

• Identify the distinguishing traits of major extant taxonomic groups, explain their evolutionary origins, current adaptations, and functional diversity

• Identify the major transitions in the evolution of life on Earth and their significance for the functional and genetic diversity of organisms we see today.