Diversity of Chordates and Comparative Anatomy (B.Sc Zoology)

Classification of chordates from protochordates to mammals and comparative anatomy of vertebrate organ systems.

6 MonthsDuration 5Chapters23Topics

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Syllabus · पाठ्यक्रम

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01Unit 1: Protochordates 5 topics

General characters of chordates
Hemichordata: Balanoglossus and its affinities
Urochordata: Herdmania, retrogressive metamorphosis
Cephalochordata: Amphioxus
Origin of chordates

02Unit 2: Fishes and Amphibians 5 topics

Agnatha: Petromyzon and Myxine
Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes: classification
Scales, fins and migration in fishes
Accessory respiratory organs
Amphibia: classification, parental care, neoteny

03Unit 3: Reptiles, Birds and Mammals 5 topics

Reptilia: classification, skull types
Poisonous and non-poisonous snakes
Aves: flight adaptations and migration
Mammalia: Prototheria, Metatheria, Eutheria
Dentition in mammals

04Unit 4: Comparative Anatomy I 4 topics

Integument and its derivatives
Axial and appendicular skeleton
Digestive system
Respiratory system: gills, lungs, air sacs

05Unit 5: Comparative Anatomy II 4 topics

Heart and evolution of aortic arches
Kidney: pronephros, mesonephros, metanephros
Brain and cranial nerves
Sense organs (outline)

About

You will be able to

Classify chordates from protochordates to mammals up to order level with examples
Explain key adaptations such as migration in fishes and birds, parental care in amphibians and flight in birds
Distinguish poisonous and non-poisonous snakes of India
Compare the integument, skeleton, digestive and respiratory systems of vertebrates
Trace the evolution of the heart, aortic arches, kidney and brain across vertebrate classes

Who it is for

B.Sc Zoology students of Semester 5 (UP State Universities NEP 2020 common minimum syllabus)
Students preparing for M.Sc entrance and competitive exams with zoology

What you need

B.Sc Zoology Semesters 1-4
Diversity of Non-Chordates (helpful)

Questions

Which syllabus does this course follow?

It follows the UP State Universities NEP 2020 common minimum syllabus for B.Sc Zoology, Semester 5. Where your own university's syllabus differs, the centre follows your university's syllabus and question pattern.

Are dissections compulsory?

As per UGC guidelines, dissections are replaced by models, charts and virtual dissections; specimens are studied in the Animal Diversity Lab.

Is there a test after the course?

Yes. Unit-wise multiple-choice tests and a final exam paper are included for semester exam practice.