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    Overview

    Study of the biology, ecology and behaviour of marine invertebrates, with particular emphasis on New Zealand marine species and communities.

    Marine invertebrates are astoundingly diverse and interesting, conspicuous in every marine environment on the planet. MARI 202 introduces students to the diversity of marine invertebrate life, with emphasis on examples from the New Zealand region. The different marine invertebrate groups are introduced through examination of their evolution and phylogenetic relationships. Students explore adaptations of invertebrate groups to the marine environment in terms of comparative physiology and body architecture. A section on reproduction, development, larval forms and larval ecology highlights the diversity of reproductive patterns among marine invertebrates.

    Next we consider adaptations of invertebrates to specific marine environments (e.g. polar, deep and tropical) to demonstrate the diversity of ecological and biological problems and solutions found in the marine environment.

    Lastly, we examine the impacts of humans on marine invertebrates and vice versa (invasive species, aquaculture, fisheries, conservation), with an emphasis on how the basic biology of marine invertebrates influences these interactions.

    About this paper

    Paper title Ecology and Biology of Marine Invertebrates
    Subject Marine Science
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    BIOL 112 or MARI 112
    Schedule C
    Science
    Contact
    miles.lamare@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff

    Course Co-ordinator: Professor Miles Lamare
    Teaching Fellow: Dr Jean McKinnon

    Textbooks

    Recommended: Invertebrates (3rd edition), by R.C. Brusca and G. J. Brusca, 2015.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes
    An appreciation of diversity and relationships among the marine invertebrates is gained through a series of laboratories, while knowledge on the biology, ecology, fisheries and aquaculture of marine invertebrates is obtained from course lectures. Two field exercises related to zonation, community structure and population biology increase student skills in teamwork, data collection, analysis, interpretation and written presentation. All laboratories are assessed, with students required to use the primary literature to complete an essay.

    Timetable

    Semester 2

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 13:00-13:50 29-35, 37-42
    Tuesday 13:00-13:50 29-35, 37-42

    Practical

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Tuesday 14:00-17:50 29-35, 37-41
    A2 Wednesday 09:00-12:50 29-35, 37-41
    A3 Wednesday 14:00-17:50 29-35, 37-41
    A4 Thursday 09:00-12:50 29-35, 37-41
    A5 Thursday 14:00-17:50 29-35, 37-41
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