Basic zoological and Botanical knowledge

Diversity of Marine Life Cycles.

Part 0: general topics on developmental biology

Part 1: Life cycle, from fertilized egg to adult

Part 2: Diversity of Life Cicles of all the main animal taxa

Part 3: Ecology and Evolution (EVO-DEVO)

Symbiotic Associations.

Mutualism - Commensalism - Parasitism

The student will be able to recognize:

• the main types of reproduction, fertilization and developmental strategies
• diversity of developmental strategies and life cycles through the tree of life
• the main phases of the life cycle
• the main evolutionary and ecological drivers affecting marine life cycles
• The main larval types and strategies
• the main type of symbiotic associations between marine organisms

Additionally, students will be able to:

• to summarize the studied topics and links the practical aspects
• know the up-to-date technique to study marine life cycles and the symbiotic associations
• do working hypotheses and planning experiments
• improve their communication skills

Understanding and synthetize scientific articles will be greatly considered

The oral exam includes two parts. The first part is mainly focused on the analysis of an image chosen from the slides and that was discussed during the lessons, and the questions will be focused on the recognition of the developmental mode of a particular animal taxon and the explanation of its characteristic life cycle. The second part will cover the remaining program.

For any additional info please contact Giulia Furfaro at giulia.furfaro@unisalento.it

Factor shaping community structure and relationships among different organisms, concept of symbiosis. Diversity of life cycle of marine invertebrates. larval development and larval type analysis. evolutionary implications. life-history diversity. Ecological implications (population dynamics; settlement and recruitment; recruitment limitation; pre and post settlement events; factors determining spatial and temporal dynamics and community assembly rules. Supply side ecology and Connectivity. Basic concepts on community ecology. Factors controlling the local biodiversity, importance of biotic relationships and animal associations within community. Importance of life cycle and life-history

Material provided in class