Bases of biodiversity: origin, measure and patterns

Objectives of the subject
• Ability to use techniques for the study of vertebrates
• Ability to capture, handle and mark vertebrates
• Knowledge about vertebrate biology relevant to its conservation
• Practice of vertebrate identification techniques.
• Knowledge on experimental design
• Ability to write and present reports about vertebrates.

Theories:
1. Advances in Systematics and Phylogeny
2. Behavioural Ecology of Vertebrates
3. Biogeography: Distribution of species, populations and individuals

Other activities (practices, seminars, tutorials)
1. Iberian vertebrate identification workshop
2. Capture, handling and marking techniques
3. Census, abundance estimates and space use technics
4. Camera trapping technics
5. Experimental design
6. Analysis of trophic ecology

Sutherland WJ, Newton I & Green RE. 2004. Bird Ecology and Conservation: A Handbook of Techniques. Oxford University Press.
Dodd CK Jr. 2009. Amphibian Ecology and Conservation: A Handbook of Techniques. Oxford University Press.
Dodd CK Jr. 2016. Reptile Ecology and Conservation. A Handbook of Techniques. Oxford University Press.
Ryan 2018. Mammalogy Techniques Lab Manual. Johns Hopkins University Press

BASIC AND GENERAL SKILLS
CG01 – Acquisition of the capacity to analyse the current and future situations of terrestrial biodiversity
CG02 – Use of appropriate terminology in the field of terrestrial biodiversity
CG03 – Use of information sources and databases necessary for the analysis and generation of specific information in the field of terrestrial biodiversity
CB7 - Ability to apply acquired knowledge and problem-solving skills in new or unfamiliar situations within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their area of study.
CROSS-SECTIONAL SKILLS
CT1 – Capacity for analysis and synthesis
CT2 - Capacity for rational, argumentation and decision making
SPECIFIC SKILLS
CE6 - To know the techniques of identification of organisms and the typologies of biological interactions.

• Lesson-explanation (2 classes): teaching procedure by which the teacher presents concepts and/or procedures, providing basic information needed to understand a theoretical perspective or a practical procedure, promoting student participation.
• Practical class (2 classes in the computer room and 1 in the field): developed in the field, laboratory or computer room, its purpose is to observe in situ aspects of the physical and biological environment, to carry out experiments or to learn and apply computer software, with the support and supervision of the teaching staff.
• Workshop (2 workshops): training methodology aimed at the practical application of learning, and which requires students to put into practice the knowledge acquired, with the support and supervision of the teaching staff.

attendance at the theoretical and practical sessions, workshops and seminars will be compulsory for students.

Evaluation system: presential (continuous evaluation)
Percentage (%)
Attendance at workshops, practical classes 10
Group work (report) 90

Scenario 1 (normal)
Hours Attendance (%)
Lectures 7 100
Interactive classes 14 100
Tutorials 1 100
Exam 2 100
Personal studies 51 0
Total hours of work 75