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.
| Paper title | Ecology and Biology of Marine Invertebrates |
|---|---|
| Paper code | MARI202 |
| Subject | Marine Science |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,141.35 |
| 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.
