300057 VO Organization, Biology and Systematics of Mollusca (2008W)

The Mollusca are most diverse in terms of morphology and ecology and second in species-richness only to arthropods. The combined lecture and practical, probably unique in its depth, gives a comprehensive introduction to this phylum. The lecture deals with the general characteristics of all eight major molluscan groups, from the archaic "worm-molluscs" to the sophisticated cephalopods. It also provides a phylogenetic and evolutionary framework for the Mollusca and incorporates front-line results of all relevant fields, i.e. developmental biology, ultrastructure research, palaeontology, and molecular phylogeny.
The practical course offers hands-on experience of the theoretical aspects with a diverse sample of molluscan species. The organization of each group and the most important variations are assessed by dissections and histological serial sections. Morphological skills like, e.g. comparing dissected and sectioned specimens, histological characterization of tissues, and scientific illustration are introduced and trained. An oral presentation of a focus topic at the end of the term, an oral exam and the overall performance serve as basis for the evaluation.