Learning objectives
Provide an overview on the basic nature of paleontology and on the its applications to geological sciences. Impart an understanding of physical nature, evolution and interaction of fossil record. Give enough knowledge on stratigraphic and paleoenvironmental distribution of the fossil record. Provide for each phylum of marine invertebrates the information about morphology and physiology enough for classification.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
General Paleontology: The scientific method. Fields of investigation of Paleontology. Taphonomy, ichnology. Rules of Zoological Nomenclature. Classification, taxonomy and systematics. Evolution (theories, processes, speciation and extinctions). Basic principles of biostratigraphy, geochronology and chronostratigraphy. palaeoecology and palaeobiogeography.
Systematic Paleontology: morphology, classification, stratigraphy and ecological significance of the main phyla of marine invertebrates: Porifera, Archaeocyatha, Cnidaria, Arthropoda (classes Trilobita and Crustacea), Mollusca, Brachiopoda, Bryozoa, Echinodermata, Hemichordata (class Graptolithina)
Full programme
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Bibliography
Prothero D.R., 2013. Bringing Fossils to life: an introduction to paleobiology. Columbia University Press
Raffi S., Serpagli E., 1992. Introduzione alla Paleontologia. UTET Ed., Torino.
Ziegler B., 1983. Introduction to paleobiology: general paleontology. Ellis Horwood limited.
Allasinaz A., 1999. Invertebrati fossili. UTET Ed., Torino
McKinney F.K., 1991. Exercises in invertebrate paleontology. Blackwell Scientific Publications.
Boardman R.S., Cheetham A.H., Rowell, A.J.L., 1987. Fossil Invertebrates. Blackwell Scient. Public., Oxford-London-Edimburg.
Clarkson E.N.K., 1998. Invertebrate paleontology and evolution. Allen & Unwin
Teaching methods
Theoric lectures and tutorials
Assessment methods and criteria
oral
Other information
During the semester, intermediate tests on the systematic paleontology will be planned which, if passed, will allow to take the oral exam only on the general paleontology
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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