Program Overview

Introduction to BIO203 Animal Diversity

This subject focuses on the classification and identification of invertebrates and vertebrates. The emphasis is on the major groups in Australian fauna, their evolutionary relationships, and the use of keys for identifying them. The subject provides a good, solid grounding in what types of animals exist, how they are distinguished from other animals, and what their form and functions are.

Subject Information

Grading System

The grading system for this subject is HD/FL.

Duration

The duration of this subject is one session.

School

This subject is offered by the School of Environmental Sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• have a comprehensive understanding of the key features of major animal groups worldwide
• be able to critically apply evolutionary theory to identify the relationships among different animals groups
• have specialised skills in the classification and taxonomy of animals including the ability to use dichotomous keys
• have specialised skills in the collection, preservation, storage and description of reference collections
• have the ability to interpret and communicate the finding of a fauna survey, collection, and list clearly and coherently these findings within an ecological and management context

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• Biogeography of major terrestrial and aquatic animal groups in Australia
• Evolutionary relationships of world fauna in general, Australian fauna in particular
• Overview of characteristics of the major vertebrate and invertebrate groups including morphology, physiology, reproduction, respiration, digestion and excretion and behaviour
• Classification and identification of mainly Australian terrestrial and aquatic fauna using keys
• Collection, preservation, storage and presentation techniques

Residential School

This subject contains a 3-day compulsory residential school. In this subject, students gain a comprehensive understanding of classification and identification of the invertebrates and vertebrates. Ten practical exercises, including dissection, identification and diversity work, are undertaken with a diversity of animal species and a range of specialist equipment. This enables a critical understanding of animal anatomy, how animals function, and the use of identification techniques such as dichotomous keys.

Availability

The subject is available in the following sessions and campuses:

• Session 1 (30)
• On Campus: Albury-Wodonga Campus, Port Macquarie Campus
• Online: Albury-Wodonga Campus