basic knowledge on: main chemical and physical parameters of the marine environment; animal and vegetable groups occurring in the sea according to their morphological and physiological specializations to the different habitats; structure and dynamics of the marine ecosystem; marine biogeography; questions about fishing and marine pollution
Biologia Marina (authors: G. Cognetti, M. Sarà, G. Magazzù, Calderoni editor) (book available for reading in the dipartimental library)
Learning Objectives
Sufficient knowledge on the marine ecosystems to attend specialization or laboratory courses devoted to this matter.
Prerequisites
Zoology, Ecology
Teaching Methods
Frontal lessons, seminars and practical exercitations
Further information
--
Type of Assessment
Exam modality: final oral examination
Course program
Course Contents (detailed programme): Main chemical and physical parameters of the marine habitat and their effects on the organisms. Organization of the marine ecosystem and interactions among biological and environmental components. Trophic levels and food pyramid. Pelagic biome. Biology and ecology of Plancton and Necton: morphological and behavioural specializations. Problems related to fishing and management of the marine resources. Subdivisions of the benthic environment. Characteristics of the principals benthic organisms of hard and soft substrata. Morphological and behavioral adaptations to the littoral environment. Biotic and abiotic stress factors. Zonation of supralittoral and intertidal environments and spatio-temporal use of resources. Biology and ecology of benthos. Marine biogeography (outline). Marine pollution and bio-indicator organisms (outline).