Course Description: Aspects of the natural history, morphology, and evolution of selected marine invertebrates, arthropods, and vertebrates. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Not for credit in addition to BIO 343 or 344 or 346 if passed with C or higher.

This course is aimed at biology majors who have an interest, or potential interest in animals, but who want a broader course than the more specialized ones such as invertebrate zoology (and who have not already taken Bio 343, 344 or 346). It is particularly appropriate for students with other interests in biology, such as those concentrating on another track.

Bio 340 covers vertebrates as well as invertebrates, and terrestrial as well as aquatic animals. Mollusks, insects and vertebrates receive particular attention. A major focus is on natural history - the feeding, defense, ecological significance, reproduction and modes of development of studied groups. Consideration is given to selected aspects of respiration and locomotion. Water to land and land to water transitions are explored. Comparative morphology and evolution provide framework for study.

Labs include observations on living animals, comparative studies and dissections. You should not do the course if you object to dissections or the use of animals in research.

Prerequisite: BIO 111 or 201 or MAR 104

Credit Information: 4

Assignments: