MB2070:03
Evolution and Biogeography of Marine Organisms
Townsville
26 lectures, 13 tutorials, 6 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:
- have a knowledge of the evolutionary history, life history, distribution patterns, speciation patterns of marine organisms;
- understand and be familiar with the methods used to study the biogeography of marine organisms;
- be able to critically evaluate current concepts of marine species and factors influencing speciation and distribution patterns;
- understand the applications of historical and ecological biogeographic analyses in the study of marine systems.
Assessment by final examination (60%); assignments (40%).