BIO3132 - Biology of Australian vertebrates

There is a more recent version of this academic item available.

Overview

The diversity and biology of Australian vertebrates will be investigated in relation to their evolutionary history, climate, biogeography and ecology of the region. The course examines the biology of Australian vertebrates as examples of the physiological, behavioural and nutritional adaptations that animals develop in response to environmental variation. Specific topics will include; diversity of vertebrates across all major ecoregions; current challenges faced by native vertebrates; life history strategies of birds and mammals with particular emphasis on marsupials; clutch size in birds and the relationship to latitude; cooperative breeding in birds; adaptations to unpredictable, temperate and arid conditions; adaptations in relation to the evolution of dietary resources; invasive species; endangered species, conservation issues and captive breeding.

Offerings

S2-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Associate Professor Anne Peters

Unit Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Anne Peters

Notes

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Scheduled teaching activities and/or workload information are subject to change in response to COVID-19, please check your Unit timetable and Unit Moodle site for more details.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Understand the adaptations of the Australian vertebrate fauna to the challenges of the Australian environment.

Explain the significance of physiological, behavioural, reproductive and nutritional adaptations in vertebrates in relation to their ecology.

Describe the diversity and distribution of major vertebrate taxa in Australia.

Demonstrate competence in techniques for investigating the diversity and function of vertebrate wildlife.

Communicate scientific findings in oral and written forms.

Teaching approach

Active learning

This unit involves exposing students to new and cutting edge research in biology of Australia's unique vertebrate wildlife, with topics ranging from biogeography, diversity, adaptations, life-history to conservation concerns and actions, with an emphasis on understanding the underlying theory and contemporary issues. Use of contextualized case studies are supported by multimedia resources, in-class hands-on research-led exercises, behind the scenes site-visit and interview with practicing zoologist and Q&A sessions. In the practical component, you will receive training in the suite of vertebrate monitoring techniques, with an emphasis on their ethical application for various purposes in wildlife populations. Multiple aspects of wildlife research are covered from inception and gaining permission for a monitoring program to reporting of outcomes though a variety of written means as well as orally, which involves peer-assisted feedback in small group discussions. The broad teaching approach empowers students to develop zoological and generic skills that are appropriate and important in a real-world context.

Assessment

1 - Bird mistnetting data collection, recording & reporting

2 - Animal ethics application ‘mammal diversity monitoring’

3 - Invasive species (cane toad) report

4 - Oral presentation

5 - Environmental consultant report

6 - Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes - Theory

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Laboratories

Lectures

Workload requirements

Workload

Learning resources

Required resources

Recommended resources

There is no prescribed textbook for this unit. To ensure that you are exposed to the very latest research developments, this unit will mostly refer to examples and case studies taken directly from the primary scientific literature. These are accessible via the university library. Books that you may also find useful:
* Randall, D, Burggren, W and French, K (2002) “Eckert animal physiology – Mechanisms and adaptations” Freeman, 5 th edition
* Willmer, P, Stone, G & Johnston, I. (2000) Environmental physiology of animals, Blackwell

Availability in areas of study

Zoology