Lesson Structure: Vertebrate Zoology BEN104

There are 10 lessons:

1  Vertebrate Taxonomy and Diversity Taxonomic classifications (Kingdom, Phylum, Division, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species).

• Morphology and Evolution
• Environmental and Genetic Influences
• Speciation
• DiversificationConvergence
• Diet
• Habits
• Distribution
• Terminology

2  Fishes Fish Diversity (major groups):

• Class Agnatha (jawless fishes)
• Class Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes) and
• Class Osteichthyes (bony fishes).

3  Ectotherms – Amphibians and Reptiles:

• Definitions, Endothermy, Ectotermic, Tetrapods
• Class Amphibia
• Order Anura (Salientia) Frogs and Toads, Salamanders and Newts
• Order Apoda (Gymnophiona) Caecilians
• Class Reptilia: Reptiles (turtles, lizards, snakes, crocodiles and the extinct Dinosauria)
• Order Rhynchocephalia – Tuatara
• Order Chelonia (Testudines) – Turtles, tortoises
• Order Crocodilia – Crocodilians
• Order Squamata – Lizards and Snakes

4  Birds -Physiology (Structure) and Anatomy, Feathers, Colour, Legs, Skeletal structure, Muscles, Senses, Behaviour (Flight, Diving, etc), Egg formation, Hatching.

• Bird Taxonomy
• Ratitae (flightless) birds
• Carinatea (flying birds)
• Water Birds (eg. Grebes, divers, Ducks, geese and swans, Storks, flamingoes and herons, pelicans, gannets and cormorants,)
• Owls, Eagles, falcons and hawks
• Chickens, turkeys, game birds and mount birds
• Rails, coots and cranes,
• Pigeons and sand grouse,
• Gulls, auks and plovers,
• Parrots, parakeets, Hummingbirds, swifts, Woodpeckers, toucans, Kingfishers, bee-eaters and hornbills, Trogonos, quetzals, plumed birds
• Perching birds such as sparrows, starlings, swallows (Passeriformes),
• Diving birds, loons, Cuckoos, coucals Nighthawks, whippoorwills, Mousebirds, etc.

5  Mammals (Mammalia)

• Overview – Taxonomy
• Sub class Prototheria (egg laying animals) – echidna and platypus
• Sub class Metatheria (Marsupials) eg. koala, kangaroo and opossum
• Sub class Eutheria (Placental masmmals -these include such diverse forms as whales, elephants, shrews, and armadillos, dogs, cats, sheep, cattle and horses. Humans, of course, are also placental mammals).

6  Marsupials -Subclass Theria

• kangaroos
• koalas
• wombats
• bandicoots
• opossums
• phalangers, etc
• Marsupials Physiology and locomotion, Reproduction

7  Grandorders Glires and Insectivora

• Rodents
• Rabbits
• Pikas
• Hedgehogs
• Moles
• Shrews and Tenrecs
• Taxonomy, structure, Adaptations

8  Carnivores

• dogs
• wolves
• bears
• racoons
• cats
• weasels
• hyenas
• seals, sea lions and walruses
• Taxonomy, Physiology, Adaptations

9  Hoofed Mammals (Ungulata: Includes seven orders)

• Order Artiodactyla. This includes: Hippopotami, Deer, Giraffe, Sheep, Cattle, Antelope, Camelids
• Order Cetacea. This includes: Dolphins, Porpoises, Whales
• Order Perissodactyla. This includes: Horses, Rhinoceroses, Tapirs
• Order Tubulidentata. This includes: Ardvarks
• Order Hyracoidea. This includes: Hyraxes (or Conies)
• Order Proboscidea. This includes: Elephants
• Order Sirenia. This includes: Manatees and Dugongs

10 Primates and other Archonta. This grandorder is sub divided into four sub orders:

• Scandentia e.g. Tree Shrews
• Dermoptera e.g. Flying Lemurs, Colugos
• Chiroptera. This order comprises the bats.
• Primates (Or Order Primates and sub order Strepsirhini) e.g. humans, monkeys, apes and lemurs

Learning Goals: Vertebrate Zoology BEN104

• Distinguish between major groups of vertebrates through a demonstrated understanding of their taxonomic classification and diversity.
• Describe the distinguishing characteristics of all major groups of fishes.
• To describe the distinguishing characteristics of all major groups of Ectotherms, Amphibians and Reptiles.
• Describe the distinguishing characteristics of major groups of birds
• Describe the distinguishing characteristics of all major groups of Mammals.
• Describe the distinguishing characteristics of animals in the order Marsupialia and compare mammalian specialisations with those of other vertebrates.
• Describe the distinguishing characteristics of animals within the grandorders Glires and Insectivora.
• Explain Ectothermy in a variety of different animals.
• Describe the distinguishing characteristics of animals within the order Carnivora.
• Describe the distinguishing characteristics of animals within the grand order Ungulata.
• Describe the distinguishing characteristics of animals within the grandorder Archonta.

• During this course, the student will carry out the following activities. Where a student is mobility is limited or there is a lack of facilities in the student’s home locality, an equivalent activity can be offered
• Visit a Zoo, Wildlife Park or even a Pet Shop. Observe the range of animals present and report on them.
• Visit an aquarium supply shop, marine park, fish retailer, or other facility where you can observe fish. If your mobility is restricted or you are unable to locate such a facility, look at the web site of an aquarium, and see what diversity of animals is to be seen on that web site. Identify animals from different orders and report on them.
• Research the anatomical characteristics of one species of fish
• Investigate the biological characteristics of one species of amphibian
• Investigate the biological characteristics of one species of reptile
• Research the biological characteristics of one species of bird
• Observe the behaviour of a bird or birds for 1 hour (in the wild, or captivity). Take notes
• Investigate the biological characteristics of one species of mammal.
• Research a particular family or genus of marsupial.
• Visit either a pet shop or zoo and observe any animals from the Glires or Insectivora that you find there.
• Observe a dog closely. Take note of its external features in the light of the things you have learned in this lesson. Notice the shape of the head, body and legs, the characteristics of the feet, etc. Make notes on your observations. Compile a scientific description of the anatomy of the dog you observed. Where possible, use technical terminology that you have learned during your course.
• Visit a farm, pet shop or zoo and observe any animals belonging to the Grandorder Ungulata that you find there. Make a list of these animals.
• Research an order, family, genus or species of hooved Mammal (Ungulata).
• Try to find out about the characteristics of your chosen group
• Try to observe some monkeys and/or apes. You might do this by visiting a zoo, watching a video or looking on the Internet. Make notes of any similarities and dissimilarities you observe between these animals and humans. Research their physical and behavioural characteristics with a view to comparing these with human characteristics.
• SPECIAL PROJECT: Prepare a report on the relationship between environmental change and mammalian evolution.

Gain all important hands-on experience with wildlife animals, to add to your CV whilst you are studying your Vertebrate Zoology course with ADL, or after completing it. We are very happy to be associated with GVE, which offers an unforgettable volunteer experience in South Africa with their Game Capture and Vet Experience programs.

The program fee charged for the experience also acts as the main support for GVE’s non-profit clinic.

Interested in reading more information about both the Game Capture and Vet Experience programs? Then just click on the GVE logo below

Karin Saks – primate naturalist:

Since 1997, Karin Saks has been involved in the fostering and rehabilitation of orphan baboons, the caring of injured monkeys who have been returned to the wild and has worked towards a harmonious co-existence between these primates and humans. She has monitored wild baboon troops who raid human homes to research ways of baboon management and has observed wild troops in her area with a view to finding out damage done to troop structures and numbers because of human intervention. Due to legislation that allows for the persecution of vervet monkeys and baboons in South Africa, hundreds of orphaned primates currently reside in rehabilitation centres without much chance of being released back into the wild. The primate pet trade is also on the increase due to the amount of infants orphaned when mothers are killed.  Educating the public on how to live harmoniously with these primates and appealing for new protective legislation – that is actively enforced – are crucial aspects to finding solutions.

The Darwin Primate Group – registered NPO 059-587: Like many who take on the task of rescuing these persecuted animals, Karin self funded her work until 2008 when she founded the Darwin Primate Group and registered it as a non-profit organization.

Research into endangered samango monkey (Cercopithecus mitis labiatus) populations: In 2014, Karin moved to Kwazulu Natal where she is researching the endangered samango monkey (Cercopithecus mitis labiatus) populations in the Midlands. (She is no longer working directly with rescued baboons or vervet monkeys.) As the samango monkey is restricted to forest habitat and is a seed dispersing species, it is listed as Vulnerable in the Red Data Book of the Mammals of South Africa (2004) with samango subspecies – C. m. labiatus – occurring on the IUCN (2007) Endangered list making research into populations necessary to identify if management and further protection is needed.

You are welcome to watch her online video: Co-existing Peacefully With Baboons/Monkeys and read her Blogspot on the Samango Monkey Project. If you want to support Karin in her work financially or practically, please contact us and we will happily pass your details on.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?

A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.