Kingsborough Community College
The City University of New York
Department of Biological Sciences

Biology 21   -    Section D01A  –  Code 0316
Comparative Anatomy

Course Outline
Fall 2007

Mary Theresa Ortiz, Ph.D.
Office:  S115                            Telephone:  718-368-5724                   Email:  MOrtiz@kbcc.cuny.edu

Laboratory Mon 8-11:20 am  Rm S226                                                Lecture Wed 8-11:20 am  Rm S313

Course Description
            Biology 21 is a 4-credit, 6-hour course with laboratory and lecture components, open to students who have completed Biology 14, and have passed the CUNY Math and English exams.  It fulfills one of the two (Group V) laboratory course requirements for Biology majors.
            Form, structure, classification and adaptive modifications of vertebrates, animals with backbones.  Through dissections, representative vertebrates, [dogfish, cat], are studied; vertebrates’ major body systems and development of various representative structures are compared; relationships between form and function, and the use of certain structures in specific environments.

Required Text:  Vertebrates – Comparative Anatomy, Function, Evolution, Fourth Edition
Kenneth V. Kardong, Ph.D. Carr
                                    McGraw-Hill, New York, 2006, ISBN: 0-07-252830-0
Required Laboratory Manual:   Comparative Anatomy Manual of Vertebrate Dissection
                                                Dale W. Fishbeck & Aurora Sebastiani
                                                Morton Publishing Company, Englewood, Colorado, 2001
ISBN: 0-89582-517-1
Required Laboratory Equipment:           Lab coat
                                                            Disposable non-latex gloves
                                                            Goggles
                                                            Dissecting kit with: scalpel, blades, probes, scissors, forceps
                                                            Closed shoes (no open toed shoes)

Course Goals

  1. To recognize the relationships between form and function in animal (vertebrate) biological systems.
  2. To explore a variety of vertebrates and their body systems, and to conjecture on representative modifications from earlier structures.
  3. To recognize the relationship between genetics and adaptive modifications as taking place through natural selection.
  4. To perform careful and comprehensive dissections, recognizing the beauty and importance of dissection, and following instructions.
  5. To further develop skills in observation and manual dexterity through dissections.
  6. To compare the anatomy of several organisms, identifying their similarities and differences.
  7. To develop an appreciation for embryonic development and its significance in anatomical formation.

 

LECTURE TOPICS AND SEQUENCE

Week               Topic(s)                                                                                               Textbook Chapter(s)

    1                  Introduction                                                                                                      1
                        Origin of Chordates                                                                                          2
                       
    2                  The Vertebrate Story                                                                                        3
                        Biological Design                                                                                              4

    3                  Life History                                                                                                      5
                        Integument                                                                                                        6

    4                  Skeletal System: The Skull                                                                                7
                        Skeletal System: The Axial Skeleton                                                                  8

    5                  Skeletal System: The Appendicular Skeleton                                                     9
                       
    6                  The Muscular System                                                                                       10

    7                  The Respiratory System                                                                                    11

    8                  The Circulatory System                                                                         12

    9                  The Digestive System                                                                                        13

   10                 The Urogenital System                                                                          14

    11                The Endocrine System                                                                          15

  1. The Nervous System                                                                                        16

Sense Organs                                                                                                   17


LABORATORY TOPICS AND SEQUENCE

Week               Topic(s)                                                                                               Lab Manual Chapter(s)

    1                  Laboratory Safety and Procedures                                                        Handout
                        Amphioxus Anatomy                                                                            Ch. 3,  p. 19-24
                        Lamprey Anatomy                                                                                Ch. 4,  p. 25-44

  1. Dogfish Shark

External Anatomy & Integument                                                Ch. 5,  p. 45-54
Skeletal System                                                                        Ch. 6,  p. 55-66
Muscular System                                                                      Ch. 7,  p. 67-78

  1. Dogfish Shark - continued

                                    Body Cavity & Mesenteries                                                      Ch. 8,  p. 79-84
                                    Digestive & Respiratory Systems                                              Ch. 9,  p. 85-94
                                    Urogenital System                                                                     Ch. 10, p. 95-100

  1. Dogfish Shark – continued

Circulatory and Lymphatic Systems                                           Ch. 11, p. 101-116
Nervous System & Sense Organs                                             Ch. 12, p. 117-132
Endocrine System                                                                     Ch. 13, p. 133-136

   5                   Perch                                                                                                   Handout

   6                   Necturus (Mud Puppy)
External Anatomy & Integumentary System                               Ch. 14, p. 137-142
Skeletal System                                                                        Ch. 15, p. 143-150
Muscular System                                                                      Ch. 16, p. 151-162
Body Cavities & Mesenteries                                                    Ch. 17, p. 163-168
 
   7                   Necturus (Mud Puppy) – continued
Digestive & Respiratory Systems                                              Ch. 18, p. 169-174
Urogenital System                                                                     Ch. 19, p. 175-180
Circulatory & Lymphatic Systems                                             Ch. 20, p. 181-192
Nervous System & Sense Organs                                             Ch. 21, p. 193-198
Endocrine System                                                                     Ch. 22, p. 199-202

  8                    Birds                                                                                                    Handout
                        Cat -
                                    External Anatomy & Integumentary System                               Ch. 23, p. 203-208
                                    Skeletal System                                                                        Ch. 24, p. 209-226

  1. Cat – continued

Muscular System                                                                      Ch. 25, p. 227-258

  1. Cat – continued

Body Cavities & Mesenteries                                                    Ch. 26, p. 259-270
Digestive & Respiratory Systems                                              Ch. 27, p. 271-284
Urogenital System                                                                     Ch. 28, p. 285-294
Endocrine System                                                                     Ch. 31, p. 341-346
                Continued on next page…
LABORATORY TOPICS AND SEQUENCE - continued

Week               Topic(s)                                                                                               Lab Manual Chapter(s)

  1. Cat – continued

Circulatory & Lymphatic Systems                                             Ch. 29, p. 295-324
Nervous System & Sense Organs                                             Ch. 30, p. 325-340

  1. Cat – conclusion

Lab Clean-Up
Final Discussion

Safety:

  1. Safety in the laboratory is paramount and is everyone’s responsibility.
  2. A laboratory coat, goggles, gloves and closed shoes are mandatory.  Students without these items will not be allowed to conduct experimentation, and will be asked to leave the laboratory room.
  3. Observe all safety precautions as instructed in the laboratory.  They are for your protection.
  4. Each student is responsible for the safe and proper maintenance of their work area.
  5. Bench tops, microscopes and all other laboratory equipment must be properly cleaned and stored and after use.

Extra Credit Assignment:
An additional extra credit assignment based on a field trip to the American Museum of Natural History will be provided with full details.

Notes:

  1. Extra laboratory hours will be provided for completing work and assignments.  You are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these extra hours.
  2. All students are responsible for cleaning dissecting trays, dissecting instruments, and laboratory counters at the end of each lab session and extra hours.  Suitable materials for cleaning will be provided.
  3. Comparative anatomy is an intensive study of the features common to vertebrates.  The organ systems of these animals will be studied with an evolutionary theme in order to show the gradual trend toward greater complexity and more specialization in higher vertebrates.
  4. This course requires skill at dissection and mastery of much detail.
  5. In this course you will dissect a number of representative vertebrate animals as your studies take you from the simple to the more complex organisms.
  6. Dissection is an art that allows us to learn, and takes patience and practice.  It is not mutilation.
  7. All students are strongly encouraged to attend class sessions, read each assignment carefully, take accurate and complete notes, and ask questions.
  8. Comparative anatomy is an exciting learning journey.  Enjoy it!

 

Grading

Lecture

  1. Exams - Four (4) lecture exams will be given on the dates indicated on the tentative schedule.  Each will be graded on a scale of 100 points.  No make-ups will be given.  A missed exam counts as a zero for that exam.  However, the lowest exam grade will be dropped at the end of the semester.  The three (3) highest exam grades will be counted and each will comprise 8% (total = 24%) of your final grade.
  2. Reaction Paper- This paper is worth 6% of your final grade.  You will read and/or view assigned materials and be asked to write a brief paper (1-2 pages) stating your opinion about it/ reaction to it.  This assignment is due on the date indicated on the tentative schedule.
  3. Final Exam – The final exam is cumulative and comprises 20% of your final grade.  More details will follow on the final exam.

Laboratory

  1. Practical Exams – Four (4) practical exams will be given on the dates indicated on the tentative schedule.  Details for each will be provided in laboratory.  Each practical exam will be graded on a scale of 100 points.  No make-ups will be given.  A missed practical exam counts as a zero for that exam.  However, the lowest practical exam grade will be dropped at the end of the semester.  The three (3) highest practical exam grades will be counted and each will comprise 8% (total = 24%) of your final grade.
  2. Quizzes – Quizzes will be given on the dates indicated on the tentative schedule.  Each will be graded on a scale of 100 points.  No make-ups will be given.  A missed quiz counts as a zero for that quiz.  However, the lowest quiz grade will be dropped at the end of the semester.  The remaining highest quiz grades will be averaged and will comprise 15% of your final grade.
  3. Assignments – Assignments will be given in laboratory throughout the semester, and will include web-based activities.  These will be averaged together and comprise 11% of your final grade.

Grade Summary
Lecture:            Exams                                      24%                 Laboratory:      Practical Exams            24%
                        Reaction Paper               6%                                         Quizzes                        15%    
                        Final Exam                               20%                                         Assignments                 11%
                        Total                                        50%                                         Total                            50%

Lecture + Laboratory = 50% + 50% = 100%

 

Note:
            All assignments are due on the dates indicated on the tentative schedule or as announced in class.  The grade on any assignment will be reduced by 10% for each week or part that it is submitted late.


BIO21 COMPARATIVE ANATOMY TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FALL 2007

Day      Date     Lab      Lect     Lab Notes                                Lecture Notes__________________

W          9/05               1                                                         1st Lecture
M           9/10     1                    1st Lab
W          9/12               2
M          9/17     2                    Quiz 1
W          9/19               3                                                         Exam 1
M           9/24     3                    Quiz 2
W          9/26               4
M         10/01    4                    Quiz 3
W        10/03               5                                                         Reaction Paper Due
M         10/08    -                     No Class
W        10/10               6                                                         Exam 2
M         10/15   5                     Practical 1
W        10/17               -                                                          No Class (Fri Schedule)
M         10/22   6                     Quiz 4
W        10/24               7
M         10/29   7
W        10/31               8
M         11/05   8                     Practical 2
W        11/07               9                                                         Exam 3
M         11/12   9                     Quiz 5
W        11/14               10
M         11/19   10                    Practical 3
W        11/21               11
M         11/26   11
W        11/28               12                                                        Exam 4
M         12/03   12                    Practical 4 - Last Lab

Assignment due dates will be announced ahead of time and should be noted on this tentative schedule.

 

***   Final Exam:  Mon Dec 10 – Fri Dec 14, 2007 ---  Day, Date, Time, Room – TBA ***

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Desired Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will:

  1. Be able to state the distinctive characteristics of chordates and vertebrates.
  2. Be able to compare vertebrate anatomical structures.
  3. Be able to compare organ systems across the vertebrates.
  4. Have an understanding of comparative vertebrate embryology.
  5. Have an understanding of vertebrate history, including the role of genetics and adaptive modifications.
  6. Have an understanding of form and function as it relates to vertebrate organisms.
  7. Have studied a variety of vertebrates.
  8. Be skilled at dissection of selected vertebrate organisms.
  9. Be more skilled at observation and critical thinking.

Student Objectives – Lecture

Ch. 1 -  Introduction

  1. Define anatomy and physiology and distinguish between the two.
  2. Define comparative anatomy.
  3. List the distinguishing characteristics of chordates.
  4. List the distinguishing characteristics of vertebrates.
  5. Discuss the historical aspects of the field of comparative anatomy and the key individuals who played a role in its formation.
  6. Define morphological terms (symmetry, segmentation, etc.) and provide examples of each.
  7. Define and describe phylogeny.
  8. Interpret and use a cladogram.
  9. Define paleontology.
  10. Examine the fossil record.

Ch.2 – Origin of Chordates

  1. Restate the characteristics of chordates.
  2. Study Protochordates (Hemichordates and Urochordates)

Ch.3 – The Vertebrate Story

  1. Outline an overview of the vertebrate groups (Agnathans, Gnathostomes, Teleostomi, Tetrapods, Amniotes).
  2. Distinguish the vertebrate groups using their unique characteristics.

Ch.4 – Biological Design

  1. Examine the sizes and shapes associated with vertebrates.
  2. Study the basic principles of Biomechanics and Biophysics (ex. velocity, acceleration, force, diffusion, exchange) and how these principles are applied to vertebrate organisms.

Ch.5 – Life History

  1. Examine the embryological development of vertebrate organisms (fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation, neurulation).
  2. Study organogenesis and tissue development in vertebrates (epithelial, connective, neural).
  3. Explain the development of the coelom.
  4. Study maturation in vertebrates.
  5. Distinguish between Ontogeny and Phylogeny, and the Biogenetic Laws associated with each.

Ch. 6 – Integument

  1. List and discuss the general features of the Integument (Epidermis and Dermis) in vertebrates.
  2. Discuss the phylogeny of Integument in fish, amphibians, retiles, birds and mammals.
  3. Discuss the specializations of the Integument (nails, claws, hooves, horns, antlers, baleen, scales, armor, mucus, color, etc.).

Ch. 7 – Skeletal System: The Skull

  1. Discuss and distinguish between the Chondocranium, Splanchnocraniun and Dermatocranium.
  2. Provide an overview of skull morphology.
  3. Discuss phylogeny of the skull in agnathans and gnathostomes.
  4. Provide an overview of skull function and design.

Ch. 8 – Skeletal System: The Axial Skeleton

  1. List and describe the basic components of the Axial Skeleton (vertebrae, ribs, sternum, gastralia).
  2. Discuss the embryonic development of the axial skeleton in fishes and tetrapods.
  3. Discuss the phylogeny of the axial skeleton in fishes and tetrapods.
  4. Discuss mechanical design considerations in the vertebrate axial skeleton.

Ch. 9 – Skeletal System: The Appendicular Skeleton

  1. List and discuss the basic components of the appendicular skeleton (fins, limbs).
  2. Discuss the origin of paired fins.
  3. Discuss the phylogeny of the vertebrate appendicular skeleton in fishes and tetrapods.
  4. Discuss the evolution of the appendicular skeleton.
  5. Discuss mechanical design considerations in the vertebrate appendicular skeleton (swimming, terrestrial locomotion, flight).

Ch. 10 – The Muscular System

  1. List and describe the types and structure of muscle.
  2. Describe basic muscle contraction on a microscopic and molecular level.
  3. Discuss muscle mechanics in terms of length, tension, force, shortening and action.
  4. Describe the embryonic origin of muscles.
  5. Compare the anatomy of muscles across the vertebrates.

Ch. 11 – The Respiratory System

  1. List and describe the vertebrate respiratory organs.
  2. Explain ventilatory mechanisms.
  3. Compare respiratory systems across the vertebrates.
  4. Discuss gas exchange, including breathing in air and water.
  5. Discuss the evolution of respiratory organs.

Ch. 12 – The Circulatory System

  1. List and describe the components of the vertebrate circulatory system (blood, vessels, heart).
  2. Distinguish between single and double circulation.
  3. Describe the embryonic development of the cardiovascular system.
  4. Compare blood vessels across the vertebrates.
  5. Compare hearts across the vertebrates.
  6. Discuss specialized adaptations (fetal, placental, etc.) in the cardiovascular system across the vertebrates.
  7. List and describe the components of vertebrate lymphatic systems.
  8. Discuss the form and function of vertebrate lymphatic systems.

Ch. 13 – The Digestive System

  1. List and describe the components of the vertebrate digestive system, including accessory organs.
  2. Describe the function and evolution of the vertebrate digestive system.

Ch. 14 – The Urogenital System

  1. List and discuss the components of the vertebrate urinary system.
  2. Describe in detail the structure and function of kidneys across the vertebrates.
  3. Discuss the evolution of the vertebrate urinary system.
  4. Describe the structure of the mammalian reproductive system.
  5. Discuss the embryonic development of the vertebrate reproductive system.
  6. Describe the reproductive tracts of vertebrates.
  7. List and describe the components of female reproductive systems in vertebrates.
  8. List and describe the components of male reproductive systems in vertebrates.
  9. Compare external and internal fertilization across the vertebrates.

Ch. 15 – The Endocrine System

  1. List and describe the organs of the endocrine system in vertebrates.
  2. Discuss the phylogeny of endocrine organs in vertebrates.
  3. Discuss the evolution of the endocrine system in vertebrates.

Ch. 16 – The Nervous System

  1. List and discuss the types of cells in the vertebrate nervous system.
  2. List and discuss the components of the vertebrate peripheral nervous system.
  3. Discuss the functions of the vertebrate peripheral nervous system.
  4. List and discuss the components of the central nervous system in vertebrates.
  5. Discuss the functions of the central nervous system in vertebrates.

Ch. 17 – Sensory Organs

  1. List and discuss the components of a sensory organ in vertebrates.
  2. List and discuss general sensory organs in vertebrates.
  3. List and discuss special sensory organs in vertebrates.

Student Objectives – Laboratory

  1. List and demonstrate laboratory safety procedures.
  2. Identify components of Amphioxus anatomy.
  3. Identify components of Lamprey external anatomy.
  4. Dissect and identify internal anatomical structures of the Lamprey.
  5. Identify components of Dogfish shark external anatomy.
  6. Dissect the Dogfish shark and identify internal components of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, digestive, respiratory, urigenital, circulatory, lymphatic, nervous (sense organs) and endocrine systems.
  7. Identify external components of external Perch anatomy.
  8. Dissect the Perch and identify internal anatomical components.
  9. Identify enternal anatomical components of Necturus (Mud Puppy).
  10. Dissect Necturus and identify components of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, digestive, respiratory, urogenital, circulatory, lymphatic, nervous (sense organs) and endocrine systems.
  11. Identify external anatomical and skeletal components of Birds.
  12. Identify external anatomical components of the Cat.
  13. Dissect the Cat and identify components of its integumentary, skeletal, muscular, digestive, respiratory, urogenital, circulatory, lymphatic, nervous (sense organs) and endocrine systems.
  14. Compare the anatomical features of Amphioxus, the Lamprey, the Dogfish Shark, Perch, Necturus (Mud Puppy), Birds and the Cat.