Transcript Part I. Introduction to Vertebrate Reproduction

Course Syllabus
Fall 2010
Course Title: BIO 4403; 5403 COMPARATIVE VERTEBRATE REPRODUCTION
Lecture Room and Time: LSE Room 204 TR 12:30-1:45 PM
Instructor: Dr. Stan Trauth
Office: LSW 146 (Electron Microscope Facility); MTWTh 3-4 pm.
Textbook: No text required
Objectives of Course: This course provides students with an opportunity to enrich their
knowledge on vertebrate animal reproductive anatomy and mating systems. A student who has
completed this course should have a broad background in and an understanding of the diversity of
reproductive cycles and patterns in both dissimilar as well as closely related species. Preprofessional undergraduates, biology majors, and graduate students can apply this knowledge in
their careers working for state and federal agencies or future graduate work.
“Students with Special Instructional Needs”
If you have any special needs related to learning or testing in this course, please let me know as
soon as possible so I can address those needs.
Tentative Lecture Outline
Week(s)
1
2
3
4
5-6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Topic
I. Introduction to Vertebrate Reproductive Biology
II. Sex and Sexual Differentiation
III. Modes of Reproduction
IV. Urogenital Structure and Integration
V. Gametes and Their Production
1st Exam (125 pts.)
VI. Reproductive Regulation
VII. Fertilization and Cleavage
VIII. Embryogenesis
IX. Ovuliparity and Modes of Embryo Retention
X. Embryonic Nutrition and Placentation
2nd Exam (125 pts.)
XI. Postpartum Care of Young
XII. Life Histories
Fall Break (November 22-26)
XIII. Mating Systems and Reproductive Ecology
3rd Exam (125 pts.) – (FINAL—Non-comprehensive) – Wednesday, December 5 (2:45-4:45 PM)
Requirements: Class attendance is mandatory, and role will be taken. Lecture tests will be announced one week
in advance. Make-up exams MUST be taken no later than one lecture period following the original test date.
Topical Research Project: A research project related specifically to any focused topic covered during the first
one third of this course is optional for undergraduate students and mandatory for graduate students. The possible
total of 50 points for this exercise will be based upon selection of topic, organization and technical preparation of
materials, and writing proficiency.
Grading System: 10 percentage point scale.
Comparative Vertebrate
Reproduction
Part I. Introduction to
Vertebrate Reproductive
Biology
Introduction and Overview
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An Interdisciplinary Science
Reproduction and Vertebrate Diversity
Limitations of the Literature
Plesiomorphy and Apomorphy
Homology, Analogy, and Homoplasy
Reproduction and Natural Selection
Comparative Perspective
Synopsis of the Living Vertebrate Orders
An Interdisciplinary Science
Reproduction and Vertebrate Diversity
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Vertebrates are
represented by ca.
43,000 species.
All vertebrates
descended from a
common ancestor over
500 million years ago.
All vertebrates share
certain similarities in
reproductive biology.
Vertebrates reflect the
fact that different
lineages have evolved
different specific
solutions to the
particular problem of
reproduction.
Limitations of the Literature
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Model systems are few in number.
We utilize mammals as the models for most
vertebrates.
Longstanding economic importance to humans.
Ca. 10 species of eutherian mammals are
involved in over 90% of all reproductive studies.
Time to more toward non-conventional subjects.
Identify fundamental patterns and mechanisms of
reproduction.
Concerns regarding
eutherian mammal
reproduction dominate
mainstream science,
medicine, and today’s
global society.
Plesiomorphy and Apomorphy
Change in characteristics occurs in lineages over time.
The assumption that characteristics of organisms change over time
is the most important one in cladistics. It is only when
characteristics change that we are able to recognize different
lineages or groups. We call the "original" state of the characteristic
plesiomorphic and the "changed" state apomorphic.
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Evolutionary Morphology- study of form and function
Birds: Loss of digits, some bones fused
Bats: 5 digits, elongated metacarpals and phalanges
Pterosaurs: elongated fourth digit
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Figure 1.7
Homology- two or more structures that share common
ancestry
Analogy- structures have similar functions
Homoplastic- structures look similar but distantly related
Homology, Analogy, and Homoplasy
Homology, Analogy, and Homoplasy
(continued)
Serial Homology
Reproduction and Natural Selection
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Natural Selection- variations in organisms results in varying
degrees of success in competition (i.e., survival of the fittest)
From the Museum of Science and Industry - Chicago
Comparative Perspective
Synopsis of the Living Vertebrate
Orders
A Modern Taxonomy of Chordates*
*Note recent changes
in reptilian groups
(lower 3 red classes)