Vertebrate Zoology

Learn about animals with backbones (Vertebrate Zoology) - how they are classified, and the characteristics of the various groups from fishes and reptiles to birds and mammals.

Course Code: BEN104

Payment Options

Duration (approx) 100 hours

Qualification Statement of Attainment

Future in need of Zoologists

A number of worldly trends now impact our wildlife more than ever. Preservation of the environment and the protection of precious animal species is now a major focal point in public interest. As a result, a greater amount of Government spending is now being put into Zoological research. There will be increased demand for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in the future with the need to study the effects of human growth and development on wildlife and their natural environment. Advancements in the biotechnological industry is also creating job opportunities for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists to expand on the knowledge gained from basic genetic research. With a generation of wildlife professionals retiring, now is the time to train as a wildlife professional.

Why choose our course?

Our Zoology course is unique in that it is an "experiential based" course; designed to provide you with practical components to make the course more interactive and opportunities to connected with industry professionals, while exploring the fundamental principles of vertebrate zoology.

Study Zoology

Learn What Animal is that?
Work with animals or simply persue a passion
Foundation to work in farming, wildife, veterinary or pet care industries.
Self paced 100 hour course with personal tutoring from professional, qualified animal scientists

ACS Student Comment: I am thoroughly enjoying the Vertebrate Zoology course with ACS. Dr. Browne has been a wonderful tutor and has given clear, concise and constructive feedback on each of the assignments I have submitted. The structure of the course allows you to independently research topics guided by module notes, set tasks and assignment questions. The more you put into this course the more you take away. I love the suggestions of where and how to do the set tasks. Dissecting a grey mullet for Assignment 2 was thus far the best part of the course – while it is only suggested to approach in this manner you should consider making it a requirement of the module. I was able to coordinate with a local fisherman in association with a fish monger - they happily caught and presented me with a beautiful specimen. After dissection it made a great meal for my four legged friends (Nothing wasted and absolutely ethical! :). The hands-on approach enabled me to get a very comprehensive understanding of the anatomy of a fish. The gizzard of the grey mullet was a bonus and had I not dissected - I would not have been able to fully appreciate the complex digestive system of this omnivorous fish. Today I’m off to the Eagles Flying raptor research center to meet with the biologist who runs the center – he’s allowing me to spend the day observing barn owls for my current module. Yet, another brilliant experience thanks to my enrolment at ACS. Jessica Harley, Ireland, Vertebrate Zoology course.

This course has recently been updated and will give you a thorough understanding of “higher” animals’ Zoology, Taxonomy and Biology, together with some principles on animal ecology and morphology.

You will learn the essentials of Vertebrate Zoology with the help of highly qualified and experienced zoology tutors; as a foundation for understanding animals. Alone this course helps anyone who is working with animals or lays a sound foundation for further studies whether in farming, wildife, veterinary or pet care industries.

Aims

Distinguish between major groups of vertebrates through a demonstrated understanding of their taxonomic classification and diversity.
Describe the distinguishing characteristics of all major groups of fishes.
To describe the distinguishing characteristics of all major groups of Ectotherms, Amphibians and Reptiles.
Describe the distinguishing characteristics of major groups of birds
Describe the distinguishing characteristics of all major groups of Mammals.
Describe the distinguishing characteristics of animals in the order Marsupialia and compare mammalian specialisations with those of other vertebrates.
Describe the distinguishing characteristics of animals within the grand orders Glires and Insectivora.
Explain Ectothermy in a variety of different animals.
Describe the distinguishing characteristics of animals within the order Carnivora.
Describe the distinguishing characteristics of animals within the grand order Ungulata.
Describe the distinguishing characteristics of animals within the grandorder Euarchonta.

What You Will Do

During this course, the student will carry out the following activities. Where a student’s mobility is limited or there is a lack of facilities in the student’s home locality, an equivalent activity can be offered
Visit a Zoo, Wildlife Park or even a Pet Shop. Observe the range of animals present and report on them.
Visit an aquarium supply shop, marine park, fish retailer, or other facility where you can observe fish. If your mobility is restricted or you are unable to locate such a facility, look at the web site of an aquarium, and see what diversity of animals is to be seen on that web site. Identify animals from different orders and report on them.
Research the anatomical characteristics of one species of fish
Investigate the biological characteristics of one species of amphibian
Investigate the biological characteristics of one species of reptile
Research the biological characteristics of one species of bird
Observe the behaviour of a bird or birds for 1 hour (in the wild, or captivity). Take notes
Investigate the biological characteristics of one species of mammal.
Research a particular family or genus of marsupial.
Visit either a pet shop or zoo and observe any animals from the Glires or Insectivora that you find there.
Observe a dog closely. Take note of its external features in the light of the things you have learned in this lesson. Notice the shape of the head, body and legs, the characteristics of the feet, etc. Make notes on your observations. Compile a scientific description of the anatomy of the dog you observed. Where possible, use technical terminology that you have learned during your course.
Visit a farm, pet shop or zoo and observe any animals belonging to the Grand order Ungulata that you find there. Make a list of these animals.
Research an order, family, genus or species of hooved Mammal (Ungulata).
Try to find out about the characteristics of your chosen group
Try to observe some monkeys and/or apes. You might do this by visiting a zoo, watching a video or looking on the Internet. Make notes of any similarities and dissimilarities you observe between these animals and humans. Research their physical and behavioural characteristics with a view to comparing these with human characteristics.
SPECIAL PROJECT: Prepare a report on the relationship between environmental change and mammalian evolution.

Lesson Structure

There are 11 lessons in this course:

Vertebrate Taxonomy and Diversity Taxonomic classifications (Kingdom, Phylum, Division, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species).
- Morphology and Evolution
- Environmental and Genetic Influences
- Speciation
- Diversification
- Convergence
- Diet
- Habits
- Distribution
- Terminology
Fishes Fish Diversity (major groups):
- Class Agnatha (jawless fishes)
- Class Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes) and
- Class Osteichthyes (bony fishes).
Ectotherms - Amphibians and Reptiles:
- Definitions, Endothermy, Ectothermic, Tetrapod
- Class Amphibia
- Order Anura (Salientia) Frogs and Toads, Salamanders and Newts
- Order Apoda (Gymnophiona) Caecilians
- Class Reptilia: Reptiles (turtles, lizards, snakes, crocodiles and the extinct Dinosauria)
- Order Rhynchocephalia - Tuatara
- Order Chelonia (Testudines) - Turtles, tortoises
- Order Crocodilia - Crocodilians
- Order Squamata - Lizards and Snakes
Birds -Physiology (Structure) and Anatomy, Feathers, Colour, Legs, Skeletal structure, Muscles, Senses, Behaviour (Flight, Diving, etc), Egg formation, Hatching,
- Bird Taxonomy
- Ratitae (flightless) birds
- Carinatea (flying birds)
- Water Birds (eg. Grebes, divers, Ducks, geese and swans, Storks, flamingos and herons, pelicans, gannets and cormorants,)
- Owls, Eagles, falcons and hawks
- Chickens, turkeys, game birds and mount birds
- Rails, coots and cranes,
- Pigeons and sand grouse,
- Gulls, auks and plovers,
- Parrots, parakeets, Hummingbirds, swifts, Woodpeckers, toucans, Kingfishers, bee-eaters and hornbills, Trogonos, quetzals, plumed birds
- Perching birds such as sparrows, starlings, swallows (Passeriformes),
- Diving birds, loons, Cuckoos, coucals Nighthawks, whippoorwills, Mousebirds, etc.
Mammals (Mammalia)
- Overview - Taxonomy
- Subclass Prototheria (egg laying animals) - echidna and platypus
- Subclass Metatheria (Marsupials) eg. koala, kangaroo and opossum
- Subclass Eutheria (Placental mammals -these include such diverse forms as whales, elephants, shrews, and armadillos, dogs, cats, sheep, cattle and horses. Humans, of course, are also placental mammals).
Marsupials -Subclass Theria
- kangaroos
- koalas
- wombats
- bandicoots
- opossums
- phalangers, etc
- Marsupials Physiology and locomotion, Reproduction
Grandorders Glires and Insectivora
- Rodents
- Rabbits
- Pikas
- Hedgehogs
- Moles
- Shrews and Tenrecs
- Taxonomy, structure, Adaptations.
Carnivores
- dogs
- wolves
- bears
- racoons
- cats
- weasels
- hyenas
- seals, sea lions and walruses
- Taxonomy, Physiology, Adaptations,
Hoofed Mammals (Ungulata: Includes seven orders)
- Order Artiodactyla. This includes: Hippopotami, Deer, Giraffe, Sheep, Cattle, Antelope, Camelids
- Order Cetacea. This includes: Dolphins, Porpoises, Whales
- Order Perissodactyla. This includes: Horses, Rhinoceroses, Tapirs
- Order Tubulidentata. This includes: Aardvarks
- Order Hyracoidea. This includes: Hyraxes (or Conies)
- Order Proboscidea. This includes: Elephants
- Order Sirenia. This includes: Manatees and Dugongs
Primates and other Euarchonta. This grandorder is subdivided into three orders:
- Scandentia e.g. Tree Shrews
- Dermoptera e.g. Flying Lemurs, Colugos
- Primates (Or Order Primates and sub order Strepsirhini) e.g. humans, monkeys, apes and lemurs
- Clade Laurasiatheria. Consists of six orders including Chiroptera which was separated from Archonta.
- Chiroptera. This order comprises the bats.
Problem-Based Learning Project

Accreditations

Alternative Technology AssociationStudy Gold CoastACS Global Partner

LEARN TO IDENTIFY ANIMALS

It Doesn't need to be so Difficult

THERE IS A FRAMEWORK FOR CLASSIFYING AND NAMING ANIMALS

Although the term 'Higher Animals' is well established in both common and scientific language as a synonym for vertebrates, we should bear in mind that there are other groups of animals that are highly developed, namely insects and cephalopods.

Phylum Chordata
The subphylum Vertebrata is placed within the phylum Chordata. Most chordates are bilaterally symmetrical animals with differentiation into head, trunk, and tail.
As a rule, chordates are active animals. The most distinctive anatomical features of chordates are a notochord and nerve cord. The notochord is an exceptionally important characteristic of chordates. It is like a stiffened rod that does not compress. This allows the body muscles to act against the notochord and thus allows the animal to move.

The phylum Chordata includes three subphyla:

1. Subphylum Acrania includes about 30-35 contemporary species placed in one class and three families. All are marine animals. Look like small (~10 cm or smaller) semi-transparent fish.

2. Subphylum Urochordata (Tunicata) consists of three classes of exclusively marine animals.

3. Subphylum Vertebrata includes animals with a distinct internal skeleton.
They are multicellular animals derived from embryos that have three cellular layers: endoderm (endo- internal), mesoderm (meso- medium) and ectoderm (ecto- external).
They have bilateral symmetric bodies, and internal gut with two openings, mouth and anus. Only Vertebrates have a true brain with several different areas and a skeletal structure that protects the brain, the cranium. They have developed sensory organs (eyes, ears, olfactory organs). They posses a more complex digestive system, with several accessory digestive glands. The heart is chambered. They have developed more complex respiratory and muscular systems as well.

Classes within Vertebrata include:

Cyclostomata (Lampreys and Hagfish)
Chondrichthyes (Sharks, Skates and Rays, Elephant Fishes)
Osteichthyes (Bony Fishes) (Choanichthyes (Lungfish) separated from this class by some researchers)
Amphibia (Amphibians – Frogs and Toads, Newts and Salamanders, Caecilians)
Reptilia (Crocodiles, Lizards and Snakes, Turtles and Tortoises, Marine Iguanas)
Aves (Birds)
Mammalia (Mammals)

Morphology and Evolution
Morphology is the study (-logy) of forms (morpho-). Animal morphology studies not only animal form, but also why animals develop in a certain way.

To understand why an animal part or structure is as we know them today, we have to study what pushes evolution in a certain path and not in another direction.

There are two major factors that determine evolution:

Environment
Genetics

Environment determines animal form by providing opportunities for better survival and reproduction. Environment provides for unoccupied habitats or ecological spaces (niches) where it is advantageous to develop structures or to use existing ones differently, to make the animal better suited to their environment, that is, to survive better as an individual or as a species. Thus environment puts limitations to animal evolution, and encourages certain evolutionary paths.

Morphological changes are also determined by genetics. A certain structure may change in a certain way, because there is a genetic possibility that allows for that change. But an animal cannot develop a structure when there are no genes that could be modified to develop the new structure. There must be a genetic predisposition. A primate cannot develop feathered wings because the feathered wing genes were not in primitive mammals’ evolution.

Genes are changing constantly, although the rate of change may be very slow. Genetic change is accelerated though when environmental changes are quicker. Evolution has been faster in geological times where environmental instability has been the highest.

Environment determines animal behaviour, and behaviour determines evolution as well. Animal behaviour is determined by basic survival needs:

Feeding
Reproducing
Surviving predation

Any structural change that reinforces or facilitates the three functions above will be promoted if there is genetic seed for it.

The effects of evolution in animal morphology can be classified in two main types:

Speciation
Diversification

Speciation happens when an animal population expands geographically. In every location, the population will encounter different environments, even if differences are slight. A one degree average annual temperature variation may be a significant difference for some species.

With time, there will be genetic variation in the population due to adaptations to the different environmental factors encountered across the population living grounds. Individuals may be able to breed with other individuals living nearby. But if genetic changes become too big, for instances in populations that were separated geographically long time ago, interbreeding cannot occur, and species become more and more distinct. Eventually they will develop as separate species.

There are several diversification processes by which evolution proceeds.

Successive adaptive radiation is the process by which a common ancestor gives rise to several different phyla, classes or families.
Convergence is seen when two or more different animal groups show the same characteristic or feature. For instances, birds and bats have wings. Fishes and dolphins have fins. Even if the structure seems similar and serves the same purpose, that is to fly or to swim, their origin is different, they are not derived from the same structure. They developed from different primitive structures to improve the animal or its progeny’s survival.

What is needed to succeed in Zoology?

To succeed in the field of zoology you must have a keen interest in animals and the desire to spend many hours working with them. Zoological research requires the use of careful, precise methods. You must have the self-motivation to work independently as zoological work can involve long periods of time conducting researching on your own. At other times you will need to work as part of a scientific team so you will need strong communication skills to convey your ideas and be able to cooperate with others.

Where can this course lead?

Zoology is a field which is changing and adapting in response to the factors affecting our wildlife today. For this reason, job opportunities in this field will be highly varied in the future so current students need to "think outside the box".

Employment opportunities exist in private organisations, government departments, public agencies, scientific organisations, academic institutions, and more.

The following are just some of the areas where opportunities in Zoology may be found:

Government Departments
Research in universities and scientific organisations
Fisheries
Aquaculture
Resources
Agriculture
Museums
Zoos
National Parks
Conservation
Wildlife management
Environmental regulation
Environmental legislation
Animal breeding and genetics industry
Inspection
Management
Wildlife refuge
Biotechnology
Education

Why Study with ACS?

Design your own learning pathway.

Study at your own pace, from anywhere, at any time.

Receive prompt, expert support from our team of committed and friendly tutors.

Your learning is our priority. We are flexible and adaptable to meet your educational needs!

ACS Student Comment:

"I am thoroughly enjoying the Vertebrate Zoology course with ACS. Dr. Browne has been a wonderful tutor and has given clear, concise and constructive feedback on each of the assignments I have submitted. The structure of the course allows you to independently research topics guided by module notes, set tasks and assignment questions. The more you put into this course the more you take away. I love the suggestions of where and how to do the set tasks. Dissecting a grey mullet for Assignment 2 was thus far the best part of the course – while it is only suggested to approach in this manner you should consider making it a requirement of the module. I was able to coordinate with a local fisherman in association with a fish monger - they happily caught and presented me with a beautiful specimen. After dissection it made a great meal for my four legged friends (Nothing wasted and absolutely ethical! :). The hands-on approach enabled me to get a very comprehensive understanding of the anatomy of a fish. The gizzard of the grey mullet was a bonus and had I not dissected - I would not have been able to fully appreciate the complex digestive system of this omnivorous fish. Today I’m off to the Eagles Flying raptor research centre to meet with the biologist who runs the centre – he’s allowing me to spend the day observing barn owls for my current module. Yet, another brilliant experience thanks to my enrolment at ACS." -- Jessica, Vertebrate Zoology course.

How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
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What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
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You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

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If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course has been designed to cover the fundamentals of the topic. It will take around 100 hours to complete, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and anything else that is contained in the course. Our short courses are a great way to do some professional development or to learn a new skill.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

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We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

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We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exam and you will be able receive your course certificate- a Statement of Attainment. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

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Who are ACS Distance Education?

ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
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You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.

Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.

How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?

Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form

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We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

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What if I have any more questions or need more information?

We can assist you to find the right course for your needs. Get in touch with us via email (admin@acs.edu.au) call on +61 7 5562 1088 or complete our course advice form.

Take a look at their testimonials here.

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If students require a reproduction of their certificate, an electronic copy can be provided at a cost of AUD$35 incl GST. Printed copies are not available.

Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

Dr Robert Browne

Zoologist, Environmental Scientist and Sustainability, science based consultancy with biotechnology corporations. Work focused on conservation and sustainability.
Robert has published work in the fields of nutrition, pathology, larval growth and development, husbandry, thermo-biology, reproduction technologies, and facility design.Robert has B.Sc., Ph, D.

Dr. Gareth Pearce

Veterinary scientist and surgeon with expertise in agriculture and environmental science, with over 25 years of experience in teaching and research in agriculture, veterinary medicine, wildlife ecology and conservation in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Post-graduate qualifications in Education, Wildlife Conservation Medicine, Aquatic Veterinary Studies and Wildlife Biology & Conservation.
Gareth has a B.Sc.(Hons), B.V.Sc., M.A., M.Vet.S,. PhD, Grad. Cert. Ed.(HE), Post-Grad.Cert. Aq.Vet.Sc., Post-Grad. Cert. WLBio&Cons., Dipl. ECPHM, MRCVS.