300068 UE Diversity of marine zooplankton and the evolution of animal life cycles (2024S)

This course covers various aspects of the life of marine planktonic animals. Key topics addressed will be: What is plankton? What morphological features do planktonic animals show? What are the physical and chemical properties of water and how do these affect life in the water column? Why do animals have larvae? How do larvae and other small animals navigate and orient themselves in water bodies? Specific topics include an introduction to the morphology and diversity of marine larvae, evolutionary aspects of animal life cycles, comparative aspects of the development of marine animals, metamorphosis of larvae, among others.
In the course we will have live plankton samples from the Mediterrannean which will be investigated using compound and stereo microscopes. In addition, we have a large collection of planktonic animals mounted on glass slides that will be used for more detailed analysis. This practical part will be supplemented by videos and lectures.