Why are vertebrates so successful on Earth? In this hands-on comparative biology course you will systematically examine the evolutionary history of form and function by exploring key adaptations that allowed vertebrates to diversify and thrive in the aquatic, terrestrial, and arboreal habitats they occupy today. In lab you will hone your dissection skills as you track ancestral and derived characteristics in 5 representative species on the vertebrate tree of life. Prereq: BIOL 411 and BIOL 412 or equivalent. Special fee. Lab.