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Lecturer(s)
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Veselý Milan, doc. RNDr. Ph.D.
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Course content
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History and scope of batrachology; origin and evolution of amphibians; anatomy and morphology; water and thermal balance, respiration, and metabolism; feeding ecology; communication, defensive behaviour, and interactions with predators and parasites; reproduction, development, and metamorphosis; reproductive modes, including gynogenesis and hybridogenesis; migration, orientation, hibernation, and aestivation; population biology and biogeography; systematics of extant groups; amphibians of the Czech Republic and their conservation.
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Learning activities and teaching methods
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Monologic Lecture(Interpretation, Training), Demonstration
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Learning outcomes
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To provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution, anatomy, physiology, ecology, behaviour, systematics, and conservation of amphibians. The course links general biological principles with amphibian-specific adaptations and with the current causes of their global decline.
The student describes amphibian body structure, life cycles, and major physiological and ecological adaptations and explains their origin, phylogeny, and systematics. The student recognizes major families, identifies species occurring in the Czech Republic, and critically evaluates threats and appropriate conservation measures.
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Prerequisites
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Knowledge of general zoology, evolutionary biology, and the fundamentals of vertebrate ecology and systematics at Bachelor's level.
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Oral exam
Knowledge of the thematic areas covered, orientation in the systematics of extant amphibians, identification of selected taxa, and successful completion of an oral examination.
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Recommended literature
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Baruš, V., Oliva, O. et al. Plazi. Academia, Praha, 1992..
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Borzée, A. (2024). Continental Northeast Asian Amphibians: Origins, Behavioural Ecology, and Conservation. London.
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Pough, F. H. Herpetology. Prentice Hall, London, Sydney, Toronto, 2001..
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Witt, L. J., Caldwell, J. P.:. Herpetology. 3rd edition. Academic Press. San Diego, New York, Boston, London, Tokyo, Toronto, 2009..
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