Paleobiogeography in the context of plate tectonics. Mass extinction events. Fossilization and biases in the fossil record. Species concepts in paleontology. Biostratigraphy. Paleontological evidence for early life; the colonization of oceanic and terrestrial environments and; the evolution of the primates. [2-3-0] Prerequisite: EOSC 222
1. Describe the paleontological evidence for the origin of Metazoans and their subsequent development including vertebrates and hominids.
2. Use paleontological data and samples in the interpretation of Earth history including the development of the biosphere, mass extinction events and assessment of ancient paleogeography.
3. Investigate fossils specimens and provide written and oral presentations consistent with those delivered at professional paleontological meetings and conferences.
2009, Benton, M. J & Harper, D. A. T. Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record
(subject to change)