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    Overview

    Study of the biology, ecology and behaviour of marine vertebrates (fish, marine reptiles, seabirds and marine mammals), focusing on New Zealand species.

    Marine vertebrates are some of the most fascinating and sophisticated animals on the planet. In this paper we consider the vertebrates that have made their living in the sea: starting with fish, marine reptiles and sea birds and ending with marine mammals. For each group we will focus first on biodiversity; explore the physiological, ecological and behavioural solutions they have evolved; and discuss the conservation issues they face in the modern world. We will take time to explore the oddities: for example, fish that use electrical pulses to navigate or have parasitic males whose only function is to fertilise females; seasnakes whose venom is as deadly as that of all but the most dangerous land snakes; sea birds that fly underwater; and whales that make the loudest and most complicated acoustic signals in the animal kingdom.

    About this paper

    Paper title Biology and Behaviour of Marine Vertebrates
    Subject Marine Science
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    ZOOL 221
    Recommended Preparation
    MARI 112
    Schedule C
    Science
    Contact

    will.rayment@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Course Co-ordinator: Dr Will Rayment

    Textbooks

    Textbooks are not required for this paper.

    Course outline

    View the course outline for MARI 302

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Environmental literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes
    Students gain an understanding of diversity, form and function in marine vertebrate taxa, physiological and behavioural adaptations to their environment; diversity and ecology of NZ marine vertebrates; and management and conservation issues facing marine vertebrates, both internationally and in NZ. In addition, students improve their skills in problem solving, collaboration and written communication.

    Timetable

    Semester 1

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

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Tuesday 09:00-09:50 9-13, 15-22
    Wednesday 09:00-09:50 9-13, 15-22

    Practical

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Wednesday 14:00-17:50 9-13, 15-16, 18-22
    A2 Thursday 14:00-17:50 9-13, 15-16, 18-22
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