BIOEE 2740

The Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Paleontology, and Evolution

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

This course in vertebrate organismal biology explores the anatomy and function of vertebrates with an emphasis on vertebrate evolution. Lectures cover topics such as the origin, anatomy, physiology, paleontology, and evolution of vertebrate groups, with a focus on organ systems (such as the nervous, circulatory, and respiratory systems), life history, locomotion, behavior, ecology, and conservation. This course prepares students for advanced courses on the biology of fishes, amphibians and reptiles, birds, and mammals; pre-vet and pre-med students benefit from its comparative anatomical approach to understanding the organization of the vertebrate body.

Prerequisites BIOEE 1780 or equivalent, or instructor permission.

Fees 35. course fee.

Distribution Requirements (BSC-AG, OPHLS-AG), (BIO-AS)

Exploratory Studies (CU-SBY)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025SP, 2024SP, 2023SP, 2022SP

Outcomes

• Explain the basic organization of the vertebrate body and its ten organ systems.
• Describe broad patterns of vertebrate evolution and diversity during the Phanerozoic.
• Use your knowledge of anatomy to make predictions about a vertebrate's mode of life.
• Explain why some groups of vertebrates are more diverse than others.
• Develop and compare examples of convergent evolution in different clades of vertebrates.
• Review conservation issues specific to different major groups of vertebrates and relate these to differences in life history patterns, ecology, and behavior.

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