amniotes and the importance of the amniotic egg

• What is the module code for Genetics, Evolution and Diversity?

  BR17120
• What should students be able to describe upon completing the module?

  Genetic processes at all levels of organisation
• What type of experiments should students be able to carry out in the laboratory?

  Genetic experiments using appropriate techniques
• What should students outline regarding the evolution of life on Earth?

  Key phases in the evolution of life
• How many major groups of organisms should students describe the evolution of?

  Major groups of organisms
• What anatomical links should students identify?

  Links between extinct and living life forms
• What should students compare and contrast regarding major groups?

  Morphology and anatomy of major groups
• What should students explain about biological classification systems?

  How different classification systems are defined and used
• What should students construct to describe the diversity of a taxon?

  A basic phylogenetic tree
• What changes were made to the module based on student feedback?

  Introduction of additional coursework support sessions
• What is the significance of student feedback in module development?

  It helps improve the learning experience
• What does positive feedback reinforce?

  Effective teaching methods
• What does constructive criticism highlight?

  Areas for improvement
• How many Academic Reps are elected annually?

  Around 300
• What role do Academic Reps serve?

  Link between students and academic departments
• What should comments submitted through the SES be aimed at?

  Fostering improvement
• What is the module's focus regarding tetrapods?

  Tetrapod origins and evolution
• What significant event in vertebrate history occurred around 360 MYA?

  Evolution of limbs from lobe-fins
• What adaptations did tetrapods retain for aquatic life?

  Adaptations from lobe-fins
• How many species are in the class Amphibia?

  Approximately 6150 species
• What are the three orders of amphibians?

  Urodela, Anura, Apoda
• What is paedomorphosis in amphibians?

  Retention of larval features in adults
• What are the key features of the three orders of amphibians?

  • Urodela: Tailed ones, ~550 species (salamanders)
  • Anura: Tail-less ones, ~5420 species (frogs)
  • Apoda: Leg-less ones, ~170 species (caecilians)
• What are the key phases in the evolution of tetrapods?

  1. Evolution of limbs from lobe-fins
  2. Modification of pre-existing body plans
  3. Development of neck and vertebrae
  4. Adaptations for life on land
• What are the characteristics of extant tetrapods?

  • No gill slits
  • Embryonic pharyngeal clefts develop into other structures
  • Various characteristics altered or lost in lineages
• What is the significance of Acanthostega in tetrapod evolution?

  • Lived 365 MYA in Greenland
  • Fully formed legs, ankles, and digits
  • Retained adaptations for aquatic life
• What is the role of the Student Experience Survey (SES)?

  • Improve learning experience
  • Collect feedback from students
  • Enhance curriculum relevance and quality
• What is the lineage of lobe-fins known for?

  Fins that are more limb-like
• What adaptations did Acanthostega retain for aquatic life?

  Fully formed legs, ankles, and digits
• What does the weak pectoral and pelvic girdles in Acanthostega suggest?

  They may support the body
• How did Acanthostega likely behave in its environment?

  Slithered out of water occasionally
• When did Acanthostega exist?

  365 million years ago
• What significant findings have been made about tetrapod origins in the last 20 years?

  Confident reconstruction of tetrapod origins
• During which geological periods did great diversity of tetrapods emerge?

  Devonian and Carboniferous
• What is the class of amphibians known for?

  Approximately 6150 species across 3 orders
• What are the three orders of amphibians?

  Urodela, Anura, Apoda
• What does the order Urodela include?

  Salamanders, known as "tailed ones"
• How many species are in the order Urodela?

  Approximately 550 species
• What is unique about some Urodela species?

  Some are entirely aquatic, others terrestrial
• What is paedomorphosis in salamanders?


  Retention of larval features in adults