James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2000

[Contents]

MB2070:03

Evolution and Biogeography of Marine Organisms

Townsville

26 lectures, 13 tutorials, 4 hours practicals. First semester.

Staff: Assoc. Professor D Bellwood.

The history and evolution of tropical marine faunas including the methods of biogeographic and cladistic analysis. Life history features of marine organisms. Patterns of speciation in the marine environment; a review of taxonomic methods in the study of marine organisms.

Learning Objectives:

  1. have a knowledge of the evolutionary history, life history, distribution patterns, speciation patterns of marine organisms;
  2. understand and be familiar with the methods used to study the biogeography of marine organisms;
  3. be able to critically evaluate current concepts of marine species and factors influencing speciation and distribution patterns;
  4. understand the applications of historical and ecological biogeographic analyses in the study of marine systems.

Assessment by final examination (60%); assignments (40%).


[Contents]