BI-367 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
Instructor: Randy Bennett
Office: BSC B-318
Phone: 641-3719
E-mail: bennett@juniata.edu
Fall 2001
Lecture Syllabus
M-W-F: 10:00-10:55 a.m.
BSC B-200
Lecture Text: Kardong, Kenneth V. Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Evolution.
(2001, 3rd Edition), McGraw-Hill.
Scope – This course is a broad-based course on the comparative morphology of chordates and related
proto-chordate groups. The course will delve into issues of evolution and systematics, development and
organ systems. This is not a human anatomy course, although Humans are good vertebrates with
unique adaptations which will be addressed in concert with other vertebrate adaptations. The course will
focus on homologies and adaptations of systems in a variety of vertebrate groups. The comparative
approach is “a tool” as you book points out. This tool will enhance your understanding or vertebrate
morphology and function in any group on which you may later wish to focus (e.g. humans for the prehealth profession students)
Instructor: My background in is broad comparative biology, from the molecular to the organismal. My
primary focus in research has been on the evolution of developmental mechanisms. It should noted that
development is the link between genetic or environmental changes and adult morphology. Although my
research has focused on invertebrates, as you will note early in the course there are universal themes
that we have learned from invertebrates that bear on vertebrate biology. New findings in genetics and
development make this an exciting time in comparative anatomy, I will bring forth these issues in
lectures. (For instance, How did the snakes lose their legs? Are vertebrates upside-down arthropods?)
Tentative Schedule:
Day
Topic
Readings from Text
Aug. 29, 31
Introduction; Vertebrate origins
Sept. 3, 5, 7
Vertebrate origins and phylogeny
Sept. 6, 7, 14
Embryology and developmental fate of tissues
Chapter 5
Sept. 17, 19, 21
Integument and its derivatives
Chapter 6
Chapters 18 & 1
Chapters 2 & 3
September 24- TEST 1
Sept. 26, 28 Oct.1 Skull
Chapter 7
Oct. 3, 5, 8
Axial and appendicular skeleton
Oct 12, 17
Muscular system
Chapters 8 & 9
Chapter 10
October 15 no class-Fall Break
October 19- TEST 2
Oct. 22, Oct. 24
Respiratory system
Chapter 11
No Class Oct. 26. Dr. Bennett will be attending a meeting in Chicago
Oct. 29, 31, Nov. 2 Circulatory system
Chapter 12
Nov. 5, 7, 9
Digestive system
Chapter 13
Nov. 12, 14, 16
Urogenital system
Chapter 14
November 19 Test 3
Nov. 26, 28, 30
Endocrine system
Dec. 3, 4, 7, 11
Nervous system and Sensory organs
Chapter 15
Chapter 16 &17
Grading: Students will be evaluated based on their performance on three (3) hourly written exams and a
comprehensive final exam (given during Finals Week). All of the exams are equally weighted, each being
worth 20% of the semester grade. The final exam will be worth 40% of the grade. All exams (and if any,
other classwork) are to be done independently unless otherwise notified. If caught, anyone breaking this
rule will receive an F for the course. TESTS CANNOT BE MADE UP, unless you contact me first or
have a medical or otherwise good emergency. If you will not be on campus the day of a test, tell me
ahead of time so that we can schedule a time for you to take the test.
Drops: Please note the new college policy. The last day you can drop the class without my signature
passing remark is Sept. 4. You can later drop the course with my signature (and that of your advisor),
however your transcript will reflect whether you are passing (WP) or failing (WF) at the time of
withdrawal. Ws are no longer offered. I will not sign a withdrawal slip unless you have met with me first.
Please get a jump on the reading early, and see me for any additional help you feel you need.
Office Hours: My office hours will be Monday and Tuesday from 2:00 to 3:00, I can often be found at
other times. I have an open door policy. Simply stated this means that I will take the time to meet with
you any time you stop by, unless I am truly busy. If that is the case, I will set up an appointment at that
moment to meet with you later.
Emergency Contact: If you have need to contact me after hours, first try my office (I am often in during
the evenings), second send an email (I check this often), third call me at home (644-7171), please do not
call me at home for routine questions concerning the course (e.g. What pages were we to read today?)