Courses
Phylogenetic analysis of phenotypic data: theory and practice
Responsible: Alessio Datovo
Levels: Undergraduate, Graduate
Credits: 4 | Duration: 60 hours / 10 weeks | Theory: 20h | Practice: 20h | Study: 20h
BACKGROUND: Different studies provide conflicting views of the various stages of phenotypic data processing. Students often find it difficult to discuss and develop a critical perspective on such issues. Despite the abundance of phylogenetic analysis programs, many are complex and/or have steep learning curves. Understanding the theoretical and practical aspects of phylogenetic analysis of phenotypic data is crucial for training highly qualified researchers in Systematics, especially in light of the continuing global decline in the number of morphological studies.
GOALS: To provide advanced theoretical knowledge of phylogenetic analysis of phenotypic data, with emphasis on anatomical characters; to provide intensive practical experience in the use of software for phylogenetic analysis of phenotypic data; to critically discuss the importance of morphology for contemporary Systematics and the integration of phenotypic and molecular data.
Evolution of the musculoskeletal system in ray-finned fishes
Responsible: Alessio Datovo, Murilo Pastana
Levels: Graduate
Credits: 6 | Duration: 90 hours / 3 weeks (condensed) | Theory: 25h | Practice: 40h | Study: 25h
BACKGROUND: The ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii) constitute the largest radiation of aquatic chordates and comprise almost half of the extant vertebrate diversity. Most morphology-based hypotheses of relationships among ray-finned fishes are based primarily on osteological data. However, skeletal musculature is often neglected by most systematists, despite the demonstrated potential of myology as a critical source of phylogenetic information. The training of ichthyologists in the theoretical and practical fundamentals of fish osteology and myology is crucial to increase our knowledge of these systems and their correct exploration in cladistic analyses in Actinopterygii.
GOALS: To provide a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the major musculoskeletal complexes of ray-finned fishes in an evolutionary context; to present and discuss the major osteological and myological synapomorphies for the largest actinopterygian lineages; to understand aspects of musculoskeletal development that aid in the elucidation of homologies and evolutionary origins of bones and muscles; to provide intensive hands-on training in the study of comparative anatomy through dissection of representative specimens from several actinopterygian lineages.
Evolution and diversity or marine actinopterygians
Responsible: Alessio Datovo, Naercio Menezes
Levels: Graduate
Credits: 6 | Duration: 90 hours / 3 weeks (condensed) | Theory: 30h | Practice: 30h | Study: 30h
BACKGROUND: There are about 16,000 valid species of marine ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii), representing nearly half of all fish species on the planet. Between 100 and 150 new species of marine actinopterygians are described annually, and many hypotheses of relationships among these fishes have been proposed recently. However, Brazil has made a relatively modest contribution to this field, even though the country concentrates a significant part of the global diversity of marine fishes. This course aims to promote qualified human resources in the systematics of marine actinopterygians, providing theoretical and practical knowledge on this topic.
GOALS: To provide advanced knowledge of the major groups of extant marine actinopterygian fishes, addressing aspects of their diversity, evolutionary history, and biogeography. Students will receive intensive hands-on training in the identification of major taxonomic groups, with emphasis on taxa occurring along the Brazilian coast, using ethanol-preserved specimens. Current phylogenetic hypotheses and classification proposals will be critically discussed in light of controversies between molecular and phenotypic-based phylogenies.
Scientific illustration: traditional and digital techniques
Responsible: Alessio Datovo, Paulo Presti
Levels: Undergraduate, Graduate
Credits: 4 | Duration: 60 hours / 2 weeks (condensed) | Theory: 20h | Practice: 40h | Study: 0h
BACKGROUND: Scientific illustration is a field that combines art and science and is widely used in several academic fields. Ilustrations are crucial for highlighting diagnostic features of taxa and biological structures of intricate architecture. A skilled illustrator must capture fine details, clarify superimposed structures, emphasize details, and even reconstruct damaged specimens to produce accurate illustrations that bring the model to life. Understanding traditional techniques and universal concepts of visual imagery is key for any graphic artist. Digital graphics tools, on the other hand, bring tremendous versatility, significant time savings, and easier implementation of realism to scientific illustrations. The combination of traditional skills and modern graphic tools makes it possible to produce illustrations that meet the highest standards of scientific excellence.
GOALS: To teach the basic concepts of visual representation, such as perspective, proportion, light and shadow, motion, balance, and composition; to enable students to create their own high-quality scientific illustrations by mastering traditional techniques (grayscale and pointillism) and modern digital techniques (grayscale and color art), programs (Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop), and electronic tools (pen tablets).