Biology of Australian vertebrates

This unit examines the biology of Australian vertebrates as examples of the physiological, behavioural and nutritional adaptations that animals develop in response to environmental variation. The diversity and biology of Australian vertebrates will be investigated in relation to their evolutionary history, climate, biogeography and ecology of the region.  Specific topics will include; diversity of vertebrates across all major ecoregions; current challenges faced by native vertebrates; life history strategies of birds and mammals with particular emphasis on marsupials; clutch size in birds and the relationship to latitude; cooperative breeding in birds; adaptations to unpredictable, temperate and arid conditions; adaptations in relation to the evolution of dietary resources; invasive species; endangered species, conservation issues and captive breeding.