BI 121 - Zoology

• scientific method: outline the process of scientific method and give examples of good and poor experimental design;
• ecology: describe earth’s major ecosystem types and explain the interrelationship of abiotic and biotic factors to animal populations and survival;
• body plans and classification: explain the terminology and structure associated with germ layer development, and acoelomate, pseudocoelomate, and coelomate body plans. Describe the foundation of classification systems and the rules which govern their use;
• protozoa, porifera and cnidaria: explain the characteristics used to classify members of the Protozoa, Porifera and Cnidaria including the major physiological activities carried on by these phylums. Determine the impact of protozoa on the health and economics of man;
• acoelomate and pseudocoelomate animals: explain the characteristics used to classify members of the Platyhelminthes,Rotifera, and Nematoda including their major physiological activities, anatomical organization and adaptation. Describe in detail the role of symbiotic relationships in animal communities and populations. Determine the impact of selected parasites on the health and economics of man, including their life cycles and possible methods of intervention;
• invertebrate coelomate animals: explain the characteristics used to classify members of the Mollusca, Annelida, Arthropoda, and Echinodermata, their major physiological activities, anatomical, organization, adaptation and their diversity.  Discuss the impact on man of Arthropods including Arthropod borne diseases; and 
• chordates: explain the characteristics used to classify members of the Chordata, their major physiological activities, anatomical organization (and diversity seen in the subphyla Cephalochordata and Vertebrata).  Describe the ecological niches and  population dynamics of major groups of vertebrates.