This statement represents a journey of discovery into the lives of vertebrates, encompassing a profound appreciation for their evolutionary history, anatomical adaptations, ecological roles, and conservation significance. It is a testament to the knowledge and skills acquired through dedicated study and practical experience in the field of vertebrate zoology.
Throughout this program, participants have delved into the diverse world of vertebrates, from the ancient fish that first ventured onto land to the soaring birds of the skies and the magnificent mammals that have captured our imaginations. They have gained insights into the anatomy and physiology that make vertebrates uniquely suited to their environments and lifestyles. They have explored the complexities of vertebrate behavior, from intricate mating rituals to migration patterns that span continents.
This Statement of Attainment serves as a symbol of the commitment and passion of those who have embarked on this journey of discovery. It acknowledges their dedication to unraveling the mysteries of the animal kingdom and contributing to a more informed and conservation-minded society.
As we continue to expand our understanding of vertebrates and their crucial roles in ecosystems worldwide, we invite you to explore the knowledge and skills recognized through this program. Together, we can strive for a world where the incredible diversity of vertebrate life is celebrated and protected, ensuring the continued existence of these awe-inspiring creatures for generations to come.
Course Structure & Content:
Vertebrate Taxonomy and Diversity Taxonomic Classifications
- Phylum, Division, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.
- Vertebrata, Chordata (chordates), Acrania, Urochordata (Tunicata), Ascidia,
- Synacidiae, Thaliacea (Salpae), Appendiculariae, Cyclostomata (Lampreys and Hagfish), Chondrichthyes (Sharks, Skates and Rays, Elephant Fishes), Osteichthyes (Bony Fishes) (Choanichthyes (Lungfish), Amphibia (Amphibians – Frogs and Toads, Newts and Salamanders, Caecilians), Reptilia (Crocodiles, Lizards and Snakes, Turtles and Tortoises, Marine Iguanas), Aves (Birds), Mammalia (Mammals).
- Morphology and Evolution.
- Environmental and Genetic Influences.
- Speciation, Diversification.
- Convergence.
- Food types and distribution.
- Terminology.
Fishes: Fish Diversity – Covering major groups:
- Class Agnatha (jawless fishes).
- Class Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes)
- Class Osteichthyes (bony fishes).
Ectotherms – Amphibians and Reptiles
- Definitions, Endothermy, Ectotermic, Tetrapods.
- Urodela (Caudata) – Salamanders and Newts.
- Order Anura (Salientia) – Frogs and Toads.
- Order Apoda (Gymnophiona) – Caecilians.
- Class Reptilia – Reptiles (Turtles, Lizards, Snakes, Crocodiles and the extinct Dinosauria).
- Order Rhynchocephalia – Tuatara.
- Order Chelonia (Testudines) – Turtles.
- Order Crocodilia – Crocodilians.
- Order Squamata – Lizards and Snakes.
Birds
- Physiology (Structure) and Anatomy, Feathers, Colour, Legs, Skeletal structure. Muscles, Senses.
- Behaviour (Flight, Diving, etc).
- Egg formation and Hatching.
- Bird Taxonomy.
- Ratitae (Flightless) Birds.
- Carinatea (Flying Birds).
- Bird orders ( eg. Grebes, Divers, Ducks, Geese and Swans, Storks, Flamingoes and Herons, Owls, Eagles, Falcons and Hawks, Pelicans, Gannets and Cormorants.
- Chickens, Turkeys, Game Birds and Mount Birds.
- Rails, Coots and Cranes.
- Pigeons and Sand Grouse.
- Gulls, Auks and Plovers.
- Parrots, Parakeets, Hummingbirds, Swifts, Woodpeckers, Toucans, Kingfishers, Bee-Eaters and Hornbills, Trogonos, Quetzals, Plumed Birds.
- Perching birds such as Sparrows, Starlings, Swallows (Passeriformes).
- Diving birds, Loons, Cuckoos, Coucals Nighthawks, Whippoorwills, Mousebirds, etc.
Mammals (Mammalia)
- Overview.
- Taxonomy.
- Sub classes Prototheria (egg laying animals).
- Subclass Metatheria (Marsupials).
- Subclass Eutatheria (Placental mammals – these include such diverse forms as Whales, Elephants, Shrews, and Armadillos, Dogs, Cats, Sheep, Cattle, Horses, Monkeys and Humans).
Marsupials
- Subclass Metatheria (e.g. Kangaroos, Koalas, Wombats, Bandicoots, Possums, Phalangers, etc).
- Physiology.
- Locomotion.
- Reproduction.
Grandorders Glires and Insectivora
- Rodents, Rabbits, Pikas, Hedgehogs, Moles, Shrews and Tenrecs.
- Taxonomy.
- Structure.
- Adaptations.
Carnivores
- Dogs, Wolves, Bears, Racoons, Cats, Weasels, Hyenas, Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses.
- Taxonomy.
- Physiology.
- Adaptations.
Hoofed Mammals (Ungulata).
There are seven separate orders within Ungulata as follows:
- Order Artiodactyl. This includes Hippopotamus, Deer, Giraffe, Sheep, Cattle, Antelope, Camelids;
- Order Cetacea. This includes Dolphins, Porpoises, Whales.
- Order Perissodactyla. This includes Horses, Rhinoceros, Tapirs.
- Order Tubulidentata. This includes: Aardvarks.
- Order Hyracoidea. This includes Hyraxes (or Conies);
- Order Proboscidea. This includes: Elephants.
- Order Sirenia. This includes Manatees and Dugongs.
Primates and other Archonta.
This grand order is sub divided into four sub orders:
- Scandentia e.g., Tree Shrews;
- Dermoptera e.g., Flying Lemurs, Colugos;
- Chiroptera. This order comprises Bats.
- Primates (Or Order Primates and sub order Strepsirhini) e.g., Humans, Monkeys, Apes and Lemurs.
WHAT YOU WILL DO IN THIS COURSE
During this course, the student will carry out the following activities. Where a student’s mobility is limited or there is a lack of facilities in the student’s home locality, an equivalent activity will be offered.
- Visit a Zoo, Wildlife Park or even a Pet Shop. Observe the range of animals present and report on them.
- Visit an aquarium supply shop, marine park, fish retailer, or other facility where you can observe fish. If your mobility is restricted or you are unable to locate such a facility, look at the web site of an aquarium, and see what diversity of animals is to be seen on that web site. Identify animals from different orders and report on them.
- Research the anatomical characteristics of one species of fish.
- Investigate the biological characteristics of one species of amphibian.
- Investigate the biological characteristics of one species of reptile.
- Research the biological characteristics of one species of bird.
- Observe the behaviour of a bird or birds for 1 hour (in the wild, or captivity), take notes.
- Investigate the biological characteristics of one species of mammal.
- Research a particular family or genus of marsupial.
- Visit either a pet shop or zoo and observe any animals from the Glires or Insectivora that you find there.
- Observe a dog closely. Take note of its external features in the light of the things you have learned in this lesson. Notice the shape of the head, body and legs, the characteristics of the feet, etc. Make notes on your observations. Compile a scientific description of the anatomy of the dog you observed. Where possible, use technical terminology that you have learned during your course.
- Visit a farm, pet shop or zoo and observe any animals belonging to the grandorder Ungulata that you find there. Make a list of these animals.
- Research an order, family, genus or species of hoofed Mammal (Ungulata).
- Try to find out about the characteristics of your chosen group.
- Try to observe some monkeys and/or apes. You might do this by visiting a zoo, watching a video or looking on the Internet. Make notes of any similarities and dissimilarities you observe between these animals and humans. Research their physical and behavioural characteristics with a view to comparing these with human characteristics.
- SPECIAL RESEARCH PROJECT – Prepare a report on the relationship between environmental conditions and Mammalian evolution.
AIMS
- Distinguish between major groups of vertebrates through a demonstrated understanding of their taxonomic classification and diversity.
- Describe the distinguishing characteristics of all major groups of fishes.
- To describe the distinguishing characteristics of all major groups of Ectotherms, Amphibians and Reptiles.
- Describe the distinguishing characteristics of major groups of birds.
- Describe the distinguishing characteristics of all major groups of Mammals.
- Describe the distinguishing characteristics of animals in the order Marsupialia and compare mammalian specialisations with those of other vertebrates.
- Describe the distinguishing characteristics of animals within the grandorders Glires and Insectivora. Explain Ectothermy in a variety of different animals.
- Describe the distinguishing characteristics of animals within the order Carnivora.
- Describe the distinguishing characteristics of animals within the grand order Ungulata.
- Describe the distinguishing characteristics of animals within the grandorder Archonta.
PATHWAYS TO A FUTURE IN VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
There is no set route to start working in vertebrate zoology, people will follow many paths. Working with wildlife is a very competitive industry, so to give yourself a head start it is essential to be enthusiastic, helpful and willing to learn. Working as a volunteer is a great way to start working with animals. You will gain useful work experience and use courses such as our Vertebrate Zoology course to fill in any gaps in your learning and improve your knowledge of animals.
A Statement of Attainment in Vertebrate Zoology can provide valuable knowledge and skills to a wide range of individuals who have an interest in or work with vertebrate animals. Here are some groups of people who can benefit from such a certification:
- Biologists and Zoologists: Professionals in the field of biology and zoology can deepen their expertise in vertebrate animals, which can be particularly beneficial for those specializing in wildlife biology, conservation, and ecological research.
- Wildlife Conservationists: Individuals working in wildlife conservation and management, whether in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or research institutions, can use the knowledge gained from vertebrate zoology to develop effective conservation strategies.
- Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians: Vertebrate zoology can provide veterinarians and veterinary technicians with a deeper understanding of the anatomical and physiological aspects of animals they treat, especially for wildlife and exotic species.
- Educators: Teachers and educators can incorporate lessons on vertebrate zoology into their curricula to inspire students’ interest in biology and ecology, fostering a greater appreciation for the natural world.
- Environmental Consultants: Professionals involved in environmental impact assessments and ecological surveys can benefit from a strong understanding of vertebrate species when assessing the effects of development or other human activities on local ecosystems.
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialists: Those who work in wildlife rehabilitation centres can use their knowledge of vertebrate zoology to better care for injured or orphaned animals and make informed decisions about their release.
- Park Rangers and Ecotourism Guides: Professionals working in parks, reserves, and ecotourism can provide more enriching experiences to visitors by sharing their knowledge of the diverse vertebrate fauna found in these areas.
- Students and Researchers: Individuals pursuing academic or research careers in biology, ecology, or related fields can use a certification in vertebrate zoology to bolster their credentials and enhance their research capabilities.
- Amateur Naturalists and Enthusiasts: Anyone with a passion for wildlife and a desire to deepen their understanding of vertebrate animals can benefit from this certification, enriching their personal interest and appreciation of nature.
- Animal Caretakers and Breeders: Professionals involved in the care and management of captive vertebrates, such as those working in zoos, aquariums, and breeding programs, can use their knowledge to ensure the well-being and breeding success of these animals.
In summary, a Statement of Attainment in Vertebrate Zoology can be an asset for a wide range of professionals and enthusiasts interested in the biology, conservation, and welfare of vertebrate animals. It opens doors to various career opportunities and fosters a deeper connection with the natural world.
