Biology of the Marine Invertebrates

Recommended Prerequisites

N/A

Teaching Methods

All classes will be taught intensively, over a period of two weeks, with lectures, laboratory practices and field trips. Students will also be organized into groups that will be given a research topic, which will be presented orally. Tutorial support will be given in order to clarify questions and to help the development of the presentation of the research topic as well as theoretical and practical issues.

Learning Outcomes

The students will be able to: describe the morphology and anatomy of the different phyla of invertebrate and how they are adapted to the environment; to acquire competences to understand and discuss hypotheses about evolution of animals (from Protozoa to Vertebrates); to explain the concepts and terms that underlie phylogenetic classifications; to develop intellectual skills in observation, problem solving, collaboration by working in groups and to develop logistical skills in field and laboratory, research techniques and animal care.
In the end, they will also be able to organize, structure, and assemble an oral presentation for a scientific meeting; to use classification keys for some groups of invertebrates and to present and make a critical analysis of scientific themes through the reading of research papers, discussions and practical exercises.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Introduction to Marine Invertebrates:
1.1. Definition and characteristics of marine invertebrates.
1.2. Diversity and classification of marine invertebrate groups (e.g., sponges, cnidarians, mollusks, echinoderms, arthropods, other invertebrates like nematodes, annelids, bryozoans and tunicates).
2. Morphology and Anatomy:
2.2.External and internal structures of marine invertebrates.
2.3. Adaptations for marine environments (e.g., body shape, appendages, sensory structures).
3. Physiology and Reproduction:
3.1. Physiological processes in marine invertebrates (e.g., respiration, circulation, excretion).
3.2. Reproductive strategies and life cycles of different groups.
3.3. Larval development and metamorphosis.
4. Marine Invertebrates and Ecosystems:
4.1. Roles of marine invertebrates in marine ecosystems.
4.2. Ecological importance and ecosystem services provided by marine invertebrates.

Head Lecturer(s)

Isabel Luci Pisa Mata da Conceição

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Attendance: 10.0%
Laboratory work or Field work: 20.0%
Research work: 20.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

Versões mais recentes de:
1. "Invertebrates" by Richard C. Brusca, Gonzalo Giribet, and Wendy Moore (2022), 4th edition.
2. "Marine Biology: Function, Biodiversity, Ecology" by Jeffrey S. Levinton (2021), 6th edition.
3. "Invertebrate Zoology: A Functional Evolutionary Approach" by Edward E. Ruppert, Richard S. Fox, and Robert D. Barnes (2003), 7th edition.
Recent articles in the literature about the subject (variable from year to year).