Biology of Marine Vertebrates

Recommended Prerequisites

N/A

Teaching Methods

The theoretical classes will be given in power-point presentations, and conducted to stimulate discussion about the several aspects of the biology of marine vertebrates. Several scientific articles will be presented, and the students will discuss them orally in the class. The theoretical-practical classes include the evaluation of morphological and functional aspects of marine vertebrates, and the use of biologging to register their behaviour and movement. In the fieldtrip students will learn how to identify main species from different groups of marine vertebrates and how to study them.

Learning Outcomes

In this subject students will address the biodiversity of marine vertebrates, with an emphasis on marine megafauna (sharks and rays, bony fishes, cetaceans, pinnipeds, turtles and birds). Students will learn about the different morphological, functional, physiological and ecological aspects of each group of megavertebrates and their adaptations to marine life, including diving physiology, adaptations to salinity, high pressure, low oxygen and unpredictability in foraging resources. Students will acquire essential knowledge on the biology of marine vertebrates and about the main techniques to study them, in order to evaluate their vulnerability to human exploitation, as well as to other main threats and the main actions for their conservation. Students should gain capacity to critically evaluate case studies on marine megafauna, including inter-relationships between their ecology, threaths and conservation.   

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. The groups of marine vertebrates: classification and distribution in the ocean.
2. Adaptations of vertebrates to marine life: morphological, physiological and ecological aspects of marine vertebrates.
3.Analysis and discussion of case studies addressing important fisiological and ecological aspects of marine vertebrates (Exs: fisiology of diving, migration of large marine vertebrates).
4. Methods and techniques to study marine vertebrates: biological sampling, biologging and data analysis on the abundance, distribution and movement of marine vertebrates using appropriate and free software.
5. Ecology and conservation of marine vertebrates. The main threats to populations of marine vertebrates and actions for their conservation.

Head Lecturer(s)

Vítor Hugo Rodrigues Paiva

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Project: 40.0%
Exam: 60.0%

Bibliography

Carrier, J. C., Simpfendorfer C. A., M. R. Heithaus & K. E. Yopak. 2022. Biology of Sharks and Their Relatives. 3rd edition, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. Pp. 840.
Helfman GS, Colette BB, Facey DE, Bowen BW; The Diversity of Fishes: Biology, Evolution, and Ecology, Wiley-Blackwell, 1997
Martins, R., & Carneiro, M. (2018). Manual de Identificação de Peixes Ósseos da Costa Continental Portuguesa - Principais Caracterísitcas Diagnosticantes. IPMA. 206pp.
Niesen, T. M. 2000. The Marine Biology Colouring Book. Harper Collins Press, New York
Oakenfold S (2018) Marine Biology: Biodiversity and Zoology. Syrawood. 238pp. ISBN: 168286605X
Parsons, E. C. M. 2013. An introduction to marine mammal biology and conservation. Jones & Bartlett Learning, Burlington, MA
Ramos, J. A. & L. Pereira. 2022. Seabird Biodiversity and Human Activities. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.