Learning Possibilities
Below are some possibilities for you to choose to learn in the enormously large world of invertebrate zoology. Some pieces you may delve into more deeply then others. You may find that you want to learn more about something that is not on this list. My biggest hope is that you will connect your learning in invert zoo with larger social and cultural issues facing our local and global society. Explore, enjoy and pursue your interests. As you go along, decide what outcomes you would like to have as a learner.
- Identify several distinguishing characteristics of the major invertebrate phyla
- Understand the criteria used to categorize invertebrates based on their body plans and developmental patterns
- Review alternative phylogenetic schemes for organizing the major invertebrate phyla
- Understand the principles used to create a cladogram or perform a cladistic analysis
- Understand the evolution of cellular/ physiological systems such as digestion, circulation, respiration, excretion, osmoregulation, nervous/endocrine function across a range of some invertebrate phyla
- Understand the important anatomical features of the major invertebrate phyla and selected classes, sub-classes, and orders
- Review the systematic/cladistic organization of the major classes and orders within several invertebrate phyla
- Understand the ecological roles, behavior, and life cycles of some invertebrate species
- Understand the role of several important invertebrates used as research models leading to advances in medicine, environmental concerns and/or understanding of fundamental biological principles
- Observe, identify, describe, photograph and/or draw diagrams of important morphological and behavioral features of invertebrates from slides, preserved specimens, live animals, photographs, live stream cams and videos
- Identify issues germane to the conservation of many invertebrate groups
- Connect your learning about invertebrates to relevant social, political, environmental and economic issues; seek to discover impacts and injustices that may affect peoples of the world (locally and globally).
- Find creative ways, via technological/communication tools, to provide information about invertebrates, and actively and positively have an influence on events, people or organizations.