ECTS
ECTS Course Catalogue
Course details
Course code: BBS20233o16Semester: 2016/2017 winter
Name: Biology and Ecology of Arachnids
Major: Biology
Study Type: second cycle
Course type: compulsory
Study Semester: 1
ECTS points: 4
Hours (Lectures / Tutorials / Other): 15 / 15 / 0
Lecturer: prof. dr hab. Joanna Mąkol
Language of instruction: Polish
Learning outcomes: Knowledge: Student: W1 – knows the issues related to biology, ecology and biogeography of arachnids, possesses the knowledge of life functions of representatives of Arachnida, explains the interactions between arachnids at inter- and intraspecific level [KB2_W01, KB2_W01_BŚ, KB2_W05_BŚ]; W2 – describes the morphological, behavioral, ecological and physiological adaptations, explains the evolutionary trade-offs in arachnids [KB2_W05, KB2_W02_BŚ]; W3 – describes and interprets the behavior of arachnids in natural environment and under laboratory conditions [KB2_W02, KB2_W02_BŚ]; W4 – knows the methods of collecting and preservation of arachnids, can design an experiment, generate the hypothesis and carry out with the process of hypothesis testing [KB2_W06, KB2_W07]. Skills: Student: U1 – operates the light– and stereomicroscopes; safely deals with the live and preserved material (arachnids) [KB2_U01_BŚ]; U2 – operates the equipment serving for collecting the arachnids, knows and operates the equipment dedicated for laboratory rearing of arachnids [KB_U02, KB2_U01_BŚ]; U3 – identifies arachnids (representatives of particular genera and species) using the identification keys [KB2_U01_BŚ]; U4 – explains the relationships between the living environment and structure of arachnids at morphological, physiological and behavioural levels; describes the basic requirements and demands of animals in relation to the environment; defines the types of adaptations; is able to depict major evolutionary trends within Arachnida [KB2_U03_BŚ]; U5 – carries out the field and laboratory observations; explains the results of observations and forwards the adequate conclusions using the scientific terminology [KB2_U01, KB2_U04, KB2_U05, KB2_U06].
Competences: Personal and social competences (attitudes and behaviors): Student: K1 – systematically broadens the knowledge within the field of biology [KB2_K01]; K2 – is aware of the collective responsibility for fulfilling the tasks assigned to the team [KB2_K02]; K3 – is responsible for the equipment he/she was entrusted with [KB2_K03]; K4 – is aware of the importance of biodiversity and promotes the biodiversity conservation [KB2_K04].
Prerequisites: Invertebrate zoology
Course content: Biodiversity and geographic distribution of arachnids. Living environment. Arachnids of terrestrial, amphibious and water ecosystems. Dispersal and habitat selection. Physical traits, which translate into evolutionary success in arachnids – morphological adaptations and physiological bases of behavior. foraging strategies. Biology of reproduction and development. Parental care. Evolution of defense strategies. Interactions at intra- and interspecific levels. Life in groups.
Recommended literature: 1. Beccaloni J.: Arachnids. Csiro Publishing. 2009; 2. Barth F.G.: A spider’s world. Senses and behavior. Springer, 2002; 3. Błaszak Cz. (red.): Zoologia t. 2, cz.1. Stawonogi. PWN, Warszawa, 2011; 4. Deryło A. (red.): Parazytologia i akaroentomologia medyczna. PWN, Warszawa, 2002; 5. Dindall L. D. (ed.): Soil Biology Guide. John Wiley & Sons, 1990; 6. Foelix R.F.: Biology of Spiders. 2nd ed. Oxford University Press, 1996; 7. Futuyma D.J.: Ewolucja. Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego, 2005; 8. Krantz J., Walter D. E. (eds): A manual of Acarology, Texas Tech University Press, 2009; 9. Krebs J. R., Davies N. B.: Wprowadzenie do ekologii behawioralnej. PWN Warszawa, 2001; 10. Pinto-da-Rocha R., Machado G., Giribet G. (eds): Harvestmen. The Biology of Opiliones. Harvard University Press, 2007; 11. Weygoldt P.: Whip Spiders (Chelicerata: Amblypygi) Their Biology, Morphology and Systematics. Apollo Books, 2000.
Assessment methods: Grade: during the semester two written tests covering the lectures and practicals - scored in points (grade points available – 16 per test); the course and results of laboratory rearing - scored in points. Obligatory attendance in practicals. In case of absence (followed by an excuse note) – the need for passing the adequate part of material. Grade level depends on the number of points earned.
Comment: specialization: Environmental Biology