Insight into the major arthropod orders, with special emphasis on the insects. Knowledge of basic methods of microscopy, dissection, sampling, working with simple classification keys.
Objective
Insight into the largest animal phylum, the arthropods, with their important role in numerous ecosystems. Awareness for the significance of these organisms in habitats and food chains.
Content
Arthropods with emphasis on insects: Identification to the order level. Principles of function and morphology. Interactions with plants and other animals, i.e. as pollinators, herbivores, predators and parasitoids, vectors of disease. Importance as bioindicators. Species richness in habitats close to the city with an introduction to different sampling techniques.