27959 - Malacology

Learning outcomes

After completing this module, the student will have in-depth knowledge of morphology, ecology, taxonomy, evolution and phylogeny of the Phylum Mollusca, with particular emphasis on new acquisitions resulting from modern molecular analysis. In particular, the student is able to: - recognize the main families of molluscs, - use the phylum for ecological and environmental analysis.

Course contents

General information about the Phylum Mollusca
Structure, morphology characteristics of the shell of molluscs in different classes
Class Polyplacophora: Features and systematic
Main orders Polyplacophora and analysis of the most important families.
Class Bivalvia: Features and systematic
Main  orders Bivalvia and analysis of the most important families.
Class Gastropoda: Features and systematic
Main  orders Gastropoda and analysis of the most important families.
Class Scaphopoda: Features and systematic
Main  orders Scaphopoda and analysis of the most important families.
Class Cephalopoda: Features and systematic
Main  orders Cephalopoda and analysis of the most important families.

Readings/Bibliography

Westheide - Rieder
Fondamenti di Zoologia
(chapter on phylum Mollusca)
Zanichelli editore

Lecture notes

Teaching methods

Lectures supplemented by laboratory work on samples

Assessment methods

Oral test with recognition of specimens; discussion of a powerpoint presentation.

Teaching tools

Power point presentation, use of zoological specimens

Office hours

See the website of Antonio Bonfitto

See the website of Marco Passamonti