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.
| Paper title | Biology and Behaviour of Marine Vertebrates |
|---|---|
| Paper code | MARI302 |
| Subject | Marine Science |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,141.35 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- ZOOL 221
- Recommended Preparation
- MARI 112
- Schedule C
- Science
- Contact
- Teaching staff
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Will Rayment
- Textbooks
Textbooks are not required for this paper.
- 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.
