Zoology is the study of Animals. This course focuses on vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish) and insects (with special focus on ants). Students will examine the diversity of the animal kingdom, learn about notable physical features and survival strategies of various phyla, analyze evolutionary relationships between organisms, and discuss the ecological connections between animals and their environments. Students will engage in authentic inquiry projects, hands-on labs, outdoor exploration, field trips, research, and guest speaker visits. This course is essential for anyone interested in local animals of Cambridge, animal evolution, veterinary medicine, environmental science, ecology, wildlife biology, and global warming's effect on biodiversity. If students are particularly interested in marine invertebrates, they may wish to take Marine Biology instead. Any student who wishes to learn about non-insect invertebrates should consider fulfilling the Honors Designation guidelines.To earn the Honors Designation, students must complete two projects on marine and/or terrestrial invertebrates (excluding insects)- one each quarter, and one of the projects must be presented to the class.