Invertebrate Biology (300918)

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Invertebrates are the most diverse and abundant multicellular organisms in aquatic and terrestrial environments. Due to their key role in many ecosystems, the biologist E. O. Wilson coined the phrase of invertebrates as being the ‘little things that run the world’. Besides their ecological importance, many invertebrates are useful to humans, whereas others are harmful to agriculture, human and veterinary health. This unit highlights invertebrate diversity and life histories as well as their key ecological and economic importance. It also includes hands-on laboratory and field studies. This unit is designed for students with career pathways in science (e.g. animal, environmental, forensic and medical sciences) as well as agriculture, environmental management and education.

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Twelve postgraduate students from the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment work as demonstrators on the nine practical classes.

 

Unit Content

1. Introduction to the invertebrates

2. Morphology and Lifecycles

3. Insect diversity and classification

4. Insect anatomy and physiology

5. Insects and parasitoids

6. The Herbivores

7. Behaviour

8. Soil Invertebrates

9. Bees and other pollinators

10. Applied Entomology