The aim of the module is to provide an understanding of the importance of marine vertebrates to aquatic systems. The module also aims to provide knowledge of the taxonomy, physiology, ecology and conservation of the main aquatic vertebrates groups.
Marine mammals are very well adapted to an aquatic existence and are important components of aquatic food webs; they are often top predators and/or keystone species. They have huge conservation, environmental and economic value, that cannot be underestimated when considering the importance of this group of animals to aquatic systems in general. This module will introduce you to the main marine vertebrates. Specifically the module will describe major taxonomic divisions and the evolutionary relationships between different taxa. Much attention will be given to the fundamental biology, ecology and conservation of the main groups focusing heavily on marine cetacea (whales and dolphins). As well as the cetacea, other key groups examined during this module include marine Teleosts, Elasmobranchs, Sirenia, Carnivora , Marine turtles and Sea snakes. The module will include a field practical examining fish utilisation of salt marsh habitats. The module will conclude by examining the key threats to sleeted aquatic vertebrates and key conservation mechanisms and initiatives.
Learning Outcomes (including lectures and practicals)
To pass this module, you will need to be able to:
1. describe the taxonomic diversity, biology and ecology of aquatic vertebrates;
2. demonstrate an understanding of factors adversely affecting aquatic vertebrate diversity and population sizes;
3. discuss the environmental and economic value of aquatic vertebrates and to know conservation strategies;
4. explain functional and physiological aspects of fishes including buoyancy, osmoregulation and excretion, respiration and circulation, defence, immunity and fish vaccination;
5. understand the importance of salt marsh as a resource for fish communities;
6. demonstrate competence in data presentation, analysis and interpretation, numeracy, information retrieval and written communication;
7. show competence in gathering scientific information, particularly from the web, in reading and analysis of simple scientific reviews and data within them, and in communication skill.
- Module Supervisor: Michelle Taylor