Overview

Organismal Diversity 1 will start to introduce you to the diversity of life on Earth and its evolution. Considering diversity of microbial life, thinking about evolutionary steps from unicellularity to multicellularity, and covering the diversity of algae, plants and invertebrate classes such as the sponges, jellyfish, flatworms, annelids, crustaceans and insects, this module will provide a comprehensive overview of the variety of life forms that appeared on Earth before the backboned animals evolved.

This module will cover the evolutionary history and phylogenetic relationships, diversity, morphological characteristics and physiological adaptations of: unicellular organisms, algae, plants, sponges and the major groups of protostome invertebrates.

Assessment Strategy

-excellent -A- to A+: Comprehensive factual knowledge about diversity of microbes, algae, plants, sponges and protostome invertebrates with highly accurate knowledge about function of evolutionary adaptations seen in different groups and classification criteria. Excellent ability to compare taxa and show some reasoning when considering similarities and differences between these.

-very good -B- to B+: Good factual knowledge about diversity of microbes, algae, plants, sponges and protostome invertebrates with demonstrable accurate knowledge about function of evolutionary adaptations seen in different groups and classification criteria. A student achieving 2:1 grades in the module overall will have a good ability to compare taxa and show some reasoning when considering similarities and differences between these.

-good -C- to C+: Reasonable factual knowledge about diversity of microbes, algae, plants, sponges and protostome invertebrates with some knowledge about function of evolutionary adaptations seen in different groups and awareness of classification criteria. A student achieving 2:2 grades in the module overall will have a reasonable ability to compare taxa.

-threshold -D- to D+: Adequate factual knowledge about diversity of microbes, algae, plants, sponges and protostome invertebrates with some basic knowledge about function of evolutionary adaptations seen in different groups. Some basic comprehension of reasons for comparative differences seen between taxa.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply knowledge of the distinguishing characteristics of different organisms to correctly infer their phylogenetic position within the tree of life .

• Identify the distinguishing traits of major extant taxonomic groups, explain their evolutionary origins, current adaptations, and diversity

• Identify the major transitions in the evolution of life on Earth and their significance for the diversity of organisms we see today.