Zoological Systematics

Course unit

title

Scientific direction

Scientific code

Faculty

Department (s)

Zoological Systematics

Zoology N 014

Nature Research Center

Life Sciences Center

Institute of Ecology

Institute of Biosciences

Mode of studies

Number of credits

Mode of studies

Number of credits

Lectures

0

Consultations

2

Self-studies

8

Seminars

0

Aims of course

To deepen the understanding and competence concerning basic principles and methods of Zoological Systematics

Main topics

Systematics as an unifying biological subject. Systematics, taxonomy and classification. Systematic categories. Species as a hierarchical system. Structural - functional and taxonomic intraspecific units. Supraspecific taxonomic categories. Functional and taxonomic meaning of higher taxa. Phenetic (digital) systematics. Cladistic (phylogenetic) systematics. Evolutionary systematics. Practical phylogenetics. International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZM).

Main literature

Schuh R. T., Brower A. V. Z. 2009. Biological systematics: principles and applications. Ithaca: Cornell University Press

Forey P. L., Humpphries Ch. J., Kitching I. J., Scotland R. W., Siebert D. J., Williams D. M., 2002. Cladistics: A Practical Course in Systematics. Oxford.

Wheeler W.A., 2012. Systematics: a course of lectures. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.

Wiley, Edward O. and Bruce S. Lieberman. 2011. Phylogenetics: Theory and Practice of Phylogenetic Systematics, 2nd edn. Wiley-Blackwell.

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=international+code+of+zoological+nomenclature

Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14390469

Journal of Systematics and Evolution https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/17596831

Assessment strategy

Assessment criteria

Seminar presentation, etc.

The scientific problem discussed during the seminar presentation based on taxonomic methodology (30 minutes).

10 (excellent). The presentation meets the requirements to scientific works. The conclusions are supported by the data presented.

9 (very good). One of the disadvantages listed below was observed during the seminar presentation.

8 (good). Two disadvantages were observed.

7 (highly satisfactory). Three disadvantages were observed.

6 (satisfactory). Four disadvantages were observed.

5 (sufficient). Five disadvantages were observed.

4 (insufficient). All disadvantages listed below were observed during the seminar presentation.

The disadvantages observed during the seminar presentation: the analysis of literature was incomplete; the goals and tasks of the presentation were not clear; the conclusions were not supported by the data presented; the questions during the seminar were not answered or were answered incorrectly; the presentation did not meet the requirements to the scientific works; the essential concepts were used incorrectly.

Gediminas Valkiūnas

Habil. Dr.

Rimantas Rakauskas

Habil. Dr.

Prof.

Approved by the Council of Graduate School of Life Sciences Center No 600000-…-… on the …. of …… 2021

Chairman