CHORDATE ZOOLOGY STUDY GUIDE - Zakharenko M.O. - 2015

INTRODUCTION

Zoology is the scientific study of animals. Historically, modern zoology has evolved as a system of scientific disciplines concerning the animal kingdom. On the one hand, zoology comprises disciplines that focus on specific major taxonomic groups of animals; on the other hand, it includes sciences studying animal Morphology, physiology, development, environmental interactions, and evolution, among other aspects. All these fields are broadly divided into two main branches: invertebrate zoology, which investigates 23 animal phyla, and vertebrate zoology, which focuses on a single phylum — Chordata. Chordates represent the highest phylum in the animal kingdom, uniting over 40,000 species that vary widely in size, appearance, and habitat.

Chordate zoology is a fundamental discipline in the training curriculum for specialists at the Faculty of Livestock Science and Aquatic Bioresources. It provides essential knowledge regarding the external and internal anatomy of animals possessing a notochord and Vertebral Column, their lifestyle, environmental adaptations, and global distribution. The course examines Taxonomy, animal evolution, and their Significance in nature and human life. Furthermore, this science serves as a foundational basis for agricultural disciplines such as animal anatomy, Histology, and physiology, ecology, zoohygienics, parasitology, pathomorphology, pharmacology, veterinary and sanitary inspection, diseases of cattle, fish, poultry, dogs, and fur-bearing animals, as well as the feeding and breeding of various livestock species. Zoology is also an applied discipline for professionals in veterinary medicine, livestock production and Processing technology, fish farming, and other sectors of the agro-industrial complex.

This study guide is written in Ukrainian based on up-to-date scientific data. Each animal group is examined according to a structured framework: General characteristics, taxonomy, Organizational features of individual representatives, origin, evolution, and practical significance. The text is richly illustrated with figures that facilitate material comprehension and foster students' creative abilities.

The manual is intended for undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor's degree in agricultural higher education institutions, specifically within the fields of study 6.090201 "Aquatic Bioresources and Aquaculture" and 6.130200 "Technology of Production and Processing of Livestock Products."