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Lecturer(s)
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Matysioková Beata, Mgr. Ph.D.
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Course content
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Each major group is characterized primarily by its typical apomorphies and other diagnostic features. Emphasis is placed on current knowledge of the phylogeny of vertebrates and other chordates, as well as on the major evolutionary trends, innovations, and transitions in their evolution. The course also includes practical identification of selected vertebrate taxa and their systematic classification. Lectures 1. Chordates - general characteristics General characteristics of the phylum Chordata, its defining features, diversity, and phylogenetic relationships. 2. Tunicates and lancelets Characteristics of the subphyla Tunicata and Cephalochordata, including their morphology, biology, and phylogenetic position within Chordata. 3. Vertebrates I - basic characteristics and evolution Overview of the basic anatomical structures of vertebrates and their derived characters (apomorphies). Major evolutionary innovations and their significance for the ecological diversification and evolutionary success of vertebrates. Major events and evolutionary trends in vertebrate evolution. 4. Vertebrates II - anatomy and functional morphology Integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, and reproductive systems. Basic anatomical and functional adaptations of different vertebrate groups. 5. Cyclostomes and their evolutionary relationships Hagfishes and lampreys, their characteristics, phylogenetic relationships, and evolutionary position within Vertebrata. Conodonts and their significance for understanding early vertebrate evolution. 6. Jawed vertebrates (Gnathostomata) Major evolutionary innovations of jawed vertebrates and their significance for subsequent vertebrate diversification. Placoderms, acanthodians, and cartilaginous fishes. 7. Fishes - adaptations to aquatic environments and the evolution of bony fishes Adaptations of vertebrates to aquatic environments. Major evolutionary lineages of bony fishes and their diversification. 8. Origin of terrestrial vertebrates Evolutionary and functional adaptations associated with the transition from aquatic to terrestrial environments. Coelacanths, lungfishes, Acanthostega and Ichthyostega. Characteristics and evolution of extant amphibians. 9. Amniotes Origin and major apomorphies of Amniota. Evolutionary significance of the amniotic egg and other adaptations associated with reproduction independent of water. Anapsids and Lepidosauria. 10. Archosaurs Characteristics and evolution of Archosauria. Crocodilians, Pterosauria, and birds. Evolution of flight in birds and other groups. Convergent evolution of endothermy and its significance for vertebrate evolution. 11. Synapsids and mammals Evolution of synapsids, non-mammalian synapsids, and the origin of mammals. Significance of the secondary jaw joint, heterodont dentition, and other key evolutionary innovations for the origin and subsequent radiation of mammals. Practical Classes Practical classes focus on the principles of identification of major vertebrate groups and on the identification and systematic classification of selected representatives of the vertebrate fauna of the Czech Republic. Specimens are identified using morphological characters, including diagnostic features of skulls, as well as vocalizations, particularly in amphibians, birds, and mammals. For selected species, their geographic distribution, ecological requirements, and basic behavioural characteristics are also discussed. Emphasis is placed on linking the taxonomic and phylogenetic position of each species with its morphology, ecology, and way of life.
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Learning activities and teaching methods
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Lecture, Monologic Lecture(Interpretation, Training)
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Learning outcomes
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The aim of the course is to introduce students to the diversity, anatomy, phylogeny, and evolution of chordates, with particular emphasis on vertebrates. The course provides a fundamental framework for understanding their body organization, functional anatomy, systematic classification, and evolutionary relationships. Particular emphasis is placed on the major evolutionary innovations and trends that have shaped vertebrate evolution, including the emergence of jawed vertebrates, adaptations associated with the transition to terrestrial life, the origin of amniotes, and the subsequent diversification of reptiles, birds, and mammals. Attention is also given to the significance of morphological and functional traits for the ecological diversification and evolutionary success of individual vertebrate groups. The course also aims to develop students' practical skills in the identification and systematic classification of vertebrates. An important objective is to integrate knowledge of morphological and anatomical characteristics with their phylogenetic, ecological, and behavioural significance and to provide students with a basic understanding of vertebrate diversity and biology, with particular emphasis on the fauna of the Czech Republic
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to: describe and explain the basic phylogenetic relationships among chordates; describe and explain the major evolutionary trends in chordate phylogeny; characterize the major groups of extant chordates occurring in the Czech Republic, as well as the principal groups of extant chordates worldwide; understand the basic principles of phylogenetic methods and interpret cladograms; identify common vertebrate species of the Czech Republic in the field.
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Prerequisites
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Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of general zoology, animal morphology and anatomy, and the fundamental principles of evolution and systematics. They should be familiar with basic biological terminology and have a basic understanding of phylogenetic relationships and classification.
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Written exam
Students are expected to acquire the knowledge covered in the lectures on an ongoing basis and to participate actively in the practical classes. They should be able to work with the basic morphological, anatomical, and systematic characteristics of the major groups of chordates and vertebrates and apply this knowledge to their identification and systematic classification. Successful completion of the course requires a basic understanding of the phylogeny and evolution of chordates, knowledge of the major vertebrate groups and their characteristic apomorphies, and an understanding of the significance of major evolutionary innovations in vertebrate evolution. In the practical component, students
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Recommended literature
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Gaisler J. a J. Zima. (2007). Zoologie obratlovců. Praha.
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Kardong, K. V. (2002). Vertebrates. Comparative anatomy, function, evolution. 2nd edition. Columbus.
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Pough F.H., Heiser, J. B. & McFarland, W. N. Vertebrate life. 6th edition. Prentice Hall: USA, 2002..
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Roček Z. (2002). Historie obratlovců. Evoluce, fylogeneze, systém. Praha.
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