Description of the contents

Classification and phylogeny of animals. Introduction to the taxonomically sound morphological characters and phylogenetic reconstructions (cladistic methods and cluster analysis). Homology vs. analogy (the evo-devo perspective). Zoological nomenclature (elements). Taxonomic categories and taxa (the Linnean hierarchy). Taxonomic identification (tools and applications). Relationships between living organisms: intraspecific associations (parental care; differences between colonies and societies; eusociality in insects), interspecific associations (different levels of symbiosis; parasitism and parasitoidism), mimicry, aposematism. Geographical distribution of extant organisms, with particular reference to terrestrial habitats. Island biogeography (principles and applications). Major extinctions and "explosive" radiation events from the Precambrian (Ediacaran) to the Cenozoic, an overview.

A thorough treatment of the body plan of arthropods, echinoderms, hemichordates and chordates. Body segments and tagmosis, symmetry, skeleton, digestive system, circulation and gas exchange, excretion and osmoregulation, nervous system and sense organs, reproduction and development.

Systematic section – The level of detail is generally that of Class, with further insights into Orders, as follows:

Arthropods (overview of all classes), with insights into:

1. Arachnids – scorpions, spiders, pseudoscorpions, harvestmen and mites;

2. Insects – dragonflies, "orthopteroids", earwigs, true bugs, sucking lice, beetles, butterflies and moths, true flies and relatives, fleas, ants, bees and wasps.

Echinoderms (overview of all classes),

Hemichordates (overview of all classes),

Chordates (overview of all subphyla and classes), with insights into Craniata:

1. amphibians (with detailed descriptions of frogs, newts and salamanders, with notes on the Italian fauna);

2. "reptiles" (with detailed descriptions of chelones, Squamata, with notes on the Italian fauna, and crocodiles)

3. mammals (with notes on the groups represented in the Italian fauna).

Practicals:

Morphology, anatomy and taxonomic identification of the following taxa:

- Arthropods: chelicerates, myriapods, crustaceans and insects.

- Echinoderms, hemichordates, and chordates.