SubjectsSubjects(version: 983)
Course, academic year 2025/2026
   
Vertebrates of Central Europe - MB170P37
Title: Obratlovci střední Evropy
Czech title: Obratlovci střední Evropy
Guaranteed by: Department of Zoology (31-170)
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Actual: from 2025 to 2025
Semester: summer
E-Credits: 4
Examination process: summer s.:
Hours per week, examination: summer s.:2/1, C+Ex [HT]
Capacity: unlimited
Min. number of students: 5
4EU+: no
Virtual mobility / capacity: no
State of the course: not taught
Language: Czech
Note: enabled for web enrollment
the course is taught as cyclical
Guarantor: RNDr. Markéta Rozkošná Knitlová, Ph.D.
Opinion survey results   Schedule   
Annotation -
Please note, the lectures are given in Czech language. English version of the course can be requested in advance if there are at least 5 students. Basic information about the morphology, ecology and geographical distribution of Central European species of lampreys (Petromyzones), fishes (Pisces), amphibians (Amphibia), reptiles (Reptilia), birds (Aves) and mammals (Mammalia). The special attention is paid to the fauna of Czech Republic.
Examination is oral.

References:
Gorner M., Hackethal, H., 1987: Säugetiere Europas. Leipzig: Neumann Verlag.
Maitland P. S., 1994: Freshwater fishes of Britain and Europe. London: Hamlyn.
Arnold E.N., Burton J.A.,1978: A field guide to the reptiles and amphibians of Britain and Europe. London:Collins.
Last update: Rozkošná Knitlová Markéta, RNDr., Ph.D. (07.05.2020)
Literature -

References:

- Corbet G., Ovenden D., 1980: The mammals of Britain and Europe. London: Collins.
- Görner M., Hackethal, H., 1987: Säugetiere Europas. Leipzig: Neumann Verlag.
- Maitland P. S., 1994: Freshwater fishes of Britain and Europe. London: Hamlyn.
- Arnold E. N., Burton J. A., 1978: A field guide to the reptiles and amphibians of Britain and Europe. London: Collins.

Kottelat, M. et Freyhof, J.,2007: Handbook of European Freshwater Fishes. Publications Kottelat. Cornol.

Last update: Švátora Miroslav, RNDr., CSc. (23.09.2014)
Course assessment methods and requirements for successful completion, grading scheme -

Examination is oral. Knowledge of the topics presented in lectures is required. Examination includes also identification of the lampreys, fishes, amphibians, reptiles and mammals inhabiting Central Europe.

Last update: Vohralík Vladimír, RNDr., CSc. (02.12.2011)
Syllabus -

- Survey of external characters used for the species identification of lampreys and fishes. Identification of selected Central European species.
- Basic information about distribution and ecology of lampreys and fishes in Central Europe, survey of introduced species.
- Survey of external characters used for the species identification of amphibians. Identification of Central European species.
- Basic information about distribution and ecology of amphibians in Central Europe.
- Survey of external characters used for the species identification of reptiles. Identification of Central European species. - Basic information about distribution and ecology of reptiles in Central Europe
- Geographical distribution, ecology and identification characters in all Central European mammals.
- Introduced mammal species and changes that have occurred in the composition of the Central European mammal fauna during last 100 years.
- Identification of Central European species of insectivores, rodents and bats (stuffed specimens).

next information on: http://vertebrata.natur.cuni.cz/for-students-in-czech-/materialy-k-prednaskam/

                               http://www.zoology.cz/foto/displayimage.php?album=5&pos=-258

Last update: Švátora Miroslav, RNDr., CSc. (23.09.2014)
Learning outcomes -

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • Characterize the ecological requirements, distribution ranges, and diagnostic traits of individual representatives of the Central European vertebrate fauna (cyclostomes, ray-finned fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals).
  • Interpret the biodiversity of selected localities based on knowledge of the ecological requirements of Central European fauna representatives.
  • Describe changes in the composition of the Central European vertebrate fauna over the past 100 years.
  • Evaluate the impact of introduced species (alien species) on native Central European ecosystems.
  • Assign individual species to the correct taxonomic categories (class, order, family).
  • Recognize key diagnostic characters on both live and preserved specimens during practical species identification.
  • Apply standard zoological terminology when describing the body structures of Central European vertebrates.
  • Identify representatives of the Central European vertebrate fauna using determination keys and field guides, as well as without them.
  • Identify selected common Central European bird species based on their acoustic signals.
Last update: Rozkošná Knitlová Markéta, RNDr., Ph.D. (19.01.2026)
 
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