DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF CHORDATES

Paper Code: 
25CZOL311
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 
This course will enable the students to –
1. Understand chordate and protochordate characteristics, focusing on Urochordata metamorphosis.
2. Explore classification of cyclostomes, Chondrichthyes, and Osteichthyes up to order.
3. Investigate Tetrapoda origin, Amphibia, and Reptilia classification, including snake venom apparatus
 
Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcomes (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessme nt Strategies

Course Code

Course Title

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25 CZOL 311T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diversity And Distributio n Of Chordates THEORY

CO:49 Understand the general characteristics and classification of chordates and protochordates, focusing on key features and retrogressive metamorphosis in Urochordata.

CO:50 Explore the general characteristics and classification of cyclostomes, Chondrichthyes, and Osteichthyes,                                       emphasizing classification up to order.

CO:51 Investigate the origin of Tetrapoda, general characteristics, and classification of Amphibia up to order. Also, examine characteristics and classification of Reptilia, including snake venom apparatus.

CO:52 Examine the general characteristics and classification of Aves up to order, and discuss the significance of Archaeopteryx as a transitional form. Additionally, explore feather development and flight adaptations.

CO:53 Study the general characteristics and classification of mammals up to order, focusing on Prototheria affinities and hair development.

CO:54 Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction

The approach in teaching: Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, Demonstration, Team teaching

 

Learning activities for the students: Self-learning assignments, Effective questions, Simulation, Seminar presentation, Giving tasks, Chart preparation

Assessme nt Strategies Class test, Semester end examination s,

Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignment s, Presentatio n.

 

12.00
Unit I: 
Introduction to Chordates & Protochordata
General characteristics and outline classification
General characteristics of Hemichordata, Urochordata and Cephalochordata; Retrogressive metamorphosis in Urochordata
 
12.00
Unit II: 
Agnatha & Pisces
General characteristics and classification of cyclostomes up to class
General characteristics of Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes, classification up to order
 
12.00
Unit III: 
Amphibia

Origin of Tetrapoda (Evolution of terrestrial ectotherms);General characteristics and classification up to order 

Reptilia:
General characteristics and classification up to order; Poison apparatus and Biting mechanism in snakes
 
12.00
Unit IV: 
Aves
General characteristics and classification up to order Archaeopteryx-- a connecting link;
Feather and its Development Flight adaptations
 
12.00
Unit V: 
Mammals
General characters and classification up to order; Affinities of Prototheria;
Hair and its development
 
Essential Readings: 
● Young, J.Z.: The Life of Vertebrates. III Edition, Oxford University Press, Oxford.
● Jordon, E.L., Verma P.S. Chordate Zoology, S Chand and Co.
● Text book of Chordate Zoology vol. II ;Sandhu, G.S. and Sandhu, G.S; Campus Books.
● Modern text book of Zoology-Vertebrates; Kotpal, Rastogi Publication.
● Vertebrate Zoology; Rastogi, V.B.; Ramnath and Kedarnath.
 
SUGGESTED READINGS:
● Colbert‘s evolution of the vertebrates; Colbert, E.H; John Wiley & Sons
● Pough H. Vertebrate life, VIII Edition, Pearson International
● Barrington,E.J.W.: The Biology Hemichordata and Protochordata Oliver & Boyd,London,1965
● Romer, S. The vertebrate body. W.B. Saunders, London.
● Student Text Book of Zoology. Vol.I.II and III. Sedgwick.A.
 
References: 
e-RESOURCES:
● https://afratafreeh.com/sam-turco/ e-PGPATHSHALA-INFLIBNET CENTRE
 
Academic Year: 
2025-2026
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