The course aims at providing the theoretical and practical basis for data collection aimed at carrying out zoological research.
- The student will learn the criteria for choosing the model and sampling techniques most suitable for:
(i) the selected animal group (invertebrate, vertebrate, aquatic, terrestrial, flier etc.),
(ii) the type of research to be carried out on it (ecological, taxonomic, phylogenetic , anatomical, etc.),
(iii) the biology and ecology of the study species and populations (e.g. behaviour, spatial structure, biological cycle),
(iv) the evaluation of the number of sample units,
(v) the context of the sampling effort,
(vi) the spatial and temporal pattern of sampling.
- Through simulations in the laboratory and in the field, the student will learn the techniques for sampling the main Metazoan taxonomic groups, based on direct and indirect samplings, qualitative and quantitative collections, capture-marking-recapture methods, radiotrekking, traps (with or without attractants , photo-traps, light traps, pheromones, etc.)