ZL3203:03
The Australian Vertebrate Fauna
Townsville
Prerequisites: (ZL2006 or ZL2101 or ZL2103) (MB2060 or ZL2007 or ZL2102)
Inadmissable Subject Combination: ZL5203
26 lectures, 24 hours practicals, 40 hours field work. First semester.
Staff: Dr L Schwarzkopf.
The biogeography, evolution and contemporary diversity of terrestrial vertebrates and marine reptiles and mammals in Australia.
Topics include geological and climate history of Australia; biogeographic regions of Australia, origins and evolution of the vertebrate fauna; behaviour, breeding and life histories of vertebrates in relation to the Australian environment.
Learning Objectives:
- achieve familiarity with diversity of Australian vertebrates;
- acquire skill in techniques required for survey and wildlife research in Australia;
- proficiency in handling and species identification of vertebrates;
- skill in report writing for fauna survey.
Assessment by a three-hour examination (50%); report on practicals/field trip (25%); essay (25%).