BIOL& 212 Majors Animal

• Apply scientific methodology to evaluate and draw conclusions about original and published data and experiments
• Describe the theory of evolution through natural selection and identify and describe the scientific evidence used to support evolutionary theory
• Identify and evaluate the factors responsible for evolution within a population (microevolution)
• Define the term biological species and explain how new species emerge
• Describe the macroevolutionary history of animal evolution and diversity
• Describe how organisms are classified on the basis of evolutionary relationships using standard taxonomy and hierarchical phylogenetic trees
• Identify the characteristics used to classify an organism as an animal, and compare and contrast the body plans and developmental characteristics of key animal phyla
• Describe select major animal organ systems and physiological processes for diverse animal phyla, including homeostasis; nutrition and digestion; circulation; immunity; fluid balance; reproductive, sensory and motor systems
• Use appropriate biological terms to provide oral and written explanations of scientific concepts and lab results
• Safely implement laboratory procedures and methods, including comparative dissections and use of the scientific method to investigate animal biology topics
• Observe, measure, record, and analyze data using standard scientific instrumentation and methods
• Present lab data in graphical form, analyze and interpret results
• Research course topics using various resources
• Interpret scientific data through case studies