BIOL. 220A: ANIMAL DIVERSITY LECTURE SYLLABUS
WINTER SEMESTER 2011; 11:00 – 11:50 MWF, 446 MARB
Professors:
Invertebrates: Lee F. Braithwaite, 189 WIDB, 801-422-2462, [email protected]
Vertebrates: Mark C. Belk, 175 WIDB, 801-422-4154, [email protected]
Course Description:
The study of animal diversity incorporates a huge array of topics that cannot possibly be covered in a single
semester course, and this course is designed to give students a very basic overview of the major groups of animals
(those that comprise major branches on the “Animal Tree of Life”), and this includes the evidence for their
evolutionary relationships (phylogeny), as these are currently understood, some of the unique features and
adaptations that define these groups, and some interesting aspects of their natural history. The lab sections
that parallel the lectures are designed to give students more depth in the anatomy/functional morphology
characteristic of many of the groups covered in lectures, as well as practical experience in animal dissection.
Course Learning Outcomes:
1 – students will develop a broad foundational knowledge of the extreme diversity in animal form, function,
adaptation, and natural history
2 – students will acquire an understanding the basic components of phylogenetic inference, and distinguish
among monophyletic, paraphyletic, and polyphyletic groups
3 – students will understand in broad outline form the patterns of evolution of animal diversity (the “Animal Tree
of Life”) and the evidence supporting particular relationships within it.
The first half of the semester focuses on invertebrates and the second half of the semester focuses on the
vertebrates. In the vertebrates we see the evolution of increased complexity, body size, and brain size. The
diversity of vertebrates is relatively low compared to the vast array of invertebrates (especially the arthropods),
but they make up for this lack of species diversity in their diversity of physiology, and behavior, and their
observable beauty. This class is an opportunity to learn about this amazing diversity, and to think about the
patterns and forces responsible for the variation we observe. My hope is that through this class you will be
inspired by the beauty and wonder of this group of animals and that you will gain a greater appreciation for the
natural world and its complexity.
Course outcomes:
1. Learn about the diversity and adaptations displayed by the vertebrates.
2. Learn the phylogenetic and adaptive connections among vertebrates.
3. Understand human biology in comparison to other vertebrates.
4. Gain a deeper appreciation of the wonders of the natural world.
Assessment:
Two exams, short answer and multiple choice. Each exam is worth 100 points. The first exam covers the first
half of the material and will be given in the testing center on March 19, 20, 22. The second exam will
cover the second half of the material and will be given during the scheduled time for the final exam;
Friday, April 16th 11-2 in 248 MARB.
Natural history book. Read Neil Shubin’s book called “Your Inner Fish” by the last day of class. Worth 50
points.
Total of 250 points. Grade is calculated as a straight percentage, no curve, no extra credit.
Text: Selected Chapters from Animal Diversity, 5th ed. C.P. Hickman, Jr., L.S. Roberts, S.L. Keen, A. Larson,
and D.J. Eisenhour, for Bio 220A, BYU. McGraw-Hill
Philosophy:
Teaching and learning require a team effort. We expect students to show up for class on time, and to be prepared
for lecture (i.e., read the assignments BEFORE the lecture, and ask questions about material you don’t
understand). We expect that our lectures will keep you awake and intellectually engaged for the full 50 minutes,
and we encourage comments and discussion during class, and visits to our offices after class. Beyond this, we
also encourage cooperation among all of you to help each other in lecture and lab, and we welcome your input and
feedback (positive and negative) on any aspect of this course (course content and our deliveries).
Grading:
Final letter grades will be assigned on the basis of performance on: (1) three lecture exams given on the dates in
the syllabus below; these will be given in the testing center and worth 100 points each; (2) a final exam given in
the classroom at the scheduled time (100 points); and (3) performance in lab (200 points). This includes 12
quizzes worth 13 points each and 2 cladistic assignments give later in the course which will also be 13 points
apiece. The remaining 18 points will be given at the discretion of the TA’s. These discretionary points will be
based on attendance, class participation, and the cleanliness of your lab section after your weekly lab. From this
total of 600 possible points, the highest raw score will be set as the 100% level, and then all letter grades will be
assigned on the following scale: A = 95-100; A- = 90-94; B+ = 87-89; B = 83-86; B- = 80-82; C+ = 77-79; C =
73-76; C- = 70-72; D+ = 67-69; D = 63-66; D- = 60-62; E = 59 and below.
Attendance Expectations
We expect for all students to attend each class. Frequent absences will not be tolerated because this class will
depend heavily on in class activities and discussions. We have found that students do best when they are actively
listening during class and read the assigned materials thoughtfully. We have also found that students do best when
they: (1) actively read the assigned material, taking notes and paying particular attention to the concepts
highlighted for lecture; (2) work collaboratively with peers to better understand the material; and (3) make use of
options to talk with instructors and lab TAs.
Date
Jan. 5
7
10
Lecture
Pages
Introduction and the simplest animal (metazoan) phylum, Placozoa
Phylum Placozoa and Phylum Porifera
105-114
Phylum Porifera Continued
The simplest eumetazoan animals, Phylum Cnidaria and the advantages
116-134
12
of radial symmetry
14
Phylum Cnidaria continued
17
HOLIDAY (NO CLASS)
The most simple of the Bilateria, the acoelomate phylum,
139-150
19
Platyhelminthes
21
Platyhelminthes continued
24
The blastocoelomate phyla and the Phylum Nemotoda
160-166
26
The eucoelomata and Phylum Mollusca
171-195
28
Mollusca continued
31
The most complex of the lower inverterbrates, Cephalopoda
Note: The first exam will cover all lectures from Jan. 5 through Jan. 31 in the Testing Center on Feb. 2 & 3.
Feb. 2
The advantages of metamerism and segmentation, Phylum Annelida
197-211
4
7
9
11
14
16
18
22 (Tuesday)
23
25
February 28
March 2-7
March 9-14
March 16-21
March 23-28
Mar 30- Apr 4
April 6-11
April 13
Phylum Annelida continued
The advantages of the members of the Phylum Arthropoda, having an
exoskeleton, segmented bodies, and appendages
Arthropod adaptations
Arthropod adaptations continued
The appearance of secondary (adult) radial symmetry with its advantages,
Phylum Echinodermata
Echinodermata continued
Echinodermata continued
An Invertebrate group of the Phylum Chordata, Subphylum Urochordata
Phylum Chordata, Subphylum Cephalochordata
Primitive Vertebrates
Note: The second exam will cover all lectures from Feb. 2 through Feb.
25 (short essay questions again in the Testing Center, Oct. 21 or 22)
Shift to Dr. Belk’s section – Clade Vertebrata; Introduction and
Vertebrate Beginnings
Jawless and Cartilaginous Fishes
Bony Fishes
Amphibians
Reptiles
Birds
Mammals
Mammals and Conclusion
Final Exam (amniotes) in classroom (446 MARB)
212-251
265-284
291-293
285-290
293-298
Ch. 15
Ch. 16
Ch. 16
Ch. 17
Ch. 18
Ch. 19
Ch. 20
Ch. 20
Monday, April 18
2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
University Policies
BYU Honor Code
In keeping with the principles of the BYU Honor Code, students are expected to be honest in all of their academic
work. Academic honesty means, most fundamentally, that any work you present as your own must in fact be your
own work and not that of another. Violations of this principle may result in a failing grade in the course and
additional disciplinary action by the university. Students are also expected to adhere to the Dress and Grooming
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environment. It is the university's expectation, and my own expectation in class, that each student will abide by all
Honor Code standards. Please call the Honor Code Office at 422-2847 if you have questions about those
standards.
Academic Honesty Policy
The first injunction of the BYU Honor Code is the call to be honest. Students come to the university not only to
improve their minds, gain knowledge, and develop skills that will assist them in their life's work, but also to build
character. President David O. McKay taught that 'character is the highest aim of education' (The Aims of a BYU
Education, p. 6). It is the purpose of the BYU Academic Honesty Policy to assist in fulfilling that aim. BYU
students should seek to be totally honest in their dealings with others. They should complete their own work and
be evaluated based upon that work. They should avoid academic dishonesty and misconduct in all its forms,
including but not limited to plagiarism, fabrication or falsification, cheating, and other academic misconduct.
Preventing Sexual Discrimination and Harassment
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an
educational program or activity that receives federal funds. The act is intended to eliminate sex discrimination in
education. Title IX covers discrimination in programs, admissions, activities, and student-to-student sexual
harassment. BYU's policy against sexual harassment extends not only to employees of the university, but to
students as well. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination, please talk to your
professor; contact the Equal Employment Office at 422-5895 or 367-5689 (24-hours); or contact the Honor Code
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Students with Disabilities
Brigham Young University is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that reasonably
accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability which may impair your ability to
complete this course successfully, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office (422-2767).
Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified, documented disabilities.
Services are coordinated with the student and instructor by the SSD Office. If you need assistance or if you feel
you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through
established grievance policy and procedures by contacting the Equal Employment Office at 422-5895, D-285
ASB.