ZOOL30080

In this course, we review the major groups of invertebrates including arthropods that account for most of the animal species on the planet. The course provides the tools for describing and understanding biodiversity and many of the species discussed play key ecological and economic roles. We review classification of invertebrates into major groups and examine some of the extraordinary solutions they have developed to movement, feeding, sensing and reproduction. Practical sessions illustrate the variety of invertebrate life. Equally, it reinforces theoretical concepts and exposes students to the taxonomic value of voucher material through instruction on collection and curation techniques and will include self-directed field collection of specimens and a guided field trip to a nearby coastal shore location. Key skills include scientific drawing, with an option to mount and pin arthropod specimens, some dissection and, above all, the skill of species identification, including classification, use of keys and guidebooks and taxonomic conventions. These skills underpin all ecological research and are essential for many jobs in environmental assessment and monitoring.