The course examines the evolutionary history of vertebrates, ranging from the origin of chordates in the Cambrian to the rise of dinosaurs, mammals, and hominids. Emphases are placed on the anatomical diagnoses of vertebrate clades and their phylogenetic relationships, as well as major milestones in vertebrate evolution such as the origins of terrestrial locomotion and flight. Lab exercises examine skeletal anatomy of vertebrates, functional adaptations, and the role of skeletons in discerning phylogenetic interrelationship of vertebrates.