The course unit equips learners with the knowledge of classification of animals. It put emphasis on the nomenclature of animal in reference to selected phyla like chordate, arthropods, Platyhelminthes and nematodes.

By the end of the course, the learner should be able to;

Objectives    

General objectives 

1. Clearly define scientific terms used in classification of animals
2. Illustrating characteristics of some named animals
3. Constructing and using dichotomous keys for identification of animals

 Specific Objectives

• Define the terms; classification, taxonomy  and  nomenclature
• State significance and principles of classifying animals
• Outline characteristics of Phyla;  Arthropoda, chordata, platyhelminthes and nematodes
• Construct and use a dichotomous key for identification of animals

Assessment will be done in the following ways and in the aspects shown below:

1. Continuous Assessment 40 marks
2. End of Semester Final exam 60 marks

1. Dhami, P.s. and Dhami, J.K. (2002). Chordate Zoology. Sharma, Proprietor and Co. New Delhi.
2. Hickman C.P.; L.S. Roberts & A. Larson (2001). Integrated Principles of Zoology, 11^th Ed. McGraw-Hill Higher Education. New York.
3. http://people.eku.edu/ritchisong/ornitholsyl.htm
4. MacArthur R. H. & E. O Wilson 1967 The Theory of Island Biogeography. Princeton University Press
5. Myers A.A & Giller P.S 1988 Analytical Biogeography: An integrated approach to the study of animal and Plant distributions
6. Vaughan T.A (1986). Mammalogy, 3^rd Ed. Saunders College Publishers. New York, Tokyo.
7. www.usd.edu/biol/faculty/swanson/ornith/
8. Young J.Z. (1981). The Life of Vertebrates, 3^rd Clarendon Press. Oxford.