Vertebrate Paleontology is a preminent discipline among geological sciences: no need to remind its fundamental contribution to other geological disciplines, and among them plate tectonics.
This course provides basic concepts of vertebrate evolution and provides the student the chance to apply several theoretical concepts assimilated during the introductory course of paleontology. It will be highlighted the importance of fossils for age estimations, paleogeography and palaeoclimate/palaeoenvironmental reconstructions
This course provides basic concepts of vertebrate evolution and provides the student the chance to apply several theoretical concepts assimilated during the introductory course of paleontology. It will be highlighted the importance of fossils for age estimations, paleogeography and palaeoclimate/palaeoenvironmental reconstructions
teacher profile teaching materials
• Review of the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition.
• From the earliest forms of life to Deuterostomes, Chordates, and Vertebrates.
• Agnatha; the evolution of jaws (Gnathostomes: Placoderms, Acanthodians, Chondrichthyans, and Osteichthyans).
• The transition to land and the 'innovations' that allowed vertebrates to conquer a new environment. Radiation of the earliest terrestrial tetrapods ('amphibians').
• Amniotes. The Synapsid/Sauropsid dichotomy.
• Sauropsids ('reptiles' + birds). Anapsids, Diapsids, Euryapsids.
• Terrestrial tetrapods return to marine life (the so-called 'marine reptiles').
• Sauropsids conquer the skies: pterosaurs and birds.
• Diversification of terrestrial sauropsids in the Mesozoic; effects of the K/Pg catastrophe.
• A step back to illustrate Synapsids and the group's radiations, particularly the one following the Permian-Triassic extinction and the Mesozoic radiation.
• The radiation of Mammals, including elements of Cenozoic paleobiogeography.
For each of the major groups mentioned, the main taxa will be described alongside their osteological and, as far as possible, ethological characteristics, phylogeny, and temporal and paleogeographic distribution.
Benton M.J. (2014) - Vertebrate Palaeontology. Blackwell Publishing
Additional references to be discussed during the classes will be selected among the most recent and/or controversial.
Mutuazione: 20402176 PALEONTOLOGIA DEI VERTEBRATI in Geologia e Tutela dell'Ambiente LM-74 R ANGELONE CHIARA
Programme
- Outlines of paleoclimate, paleoenvironments, and paleogeography of the late Proterozoic.• Review of the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition.
• From the earliest forms of life to Deuterostomes, Chordates, and Vertebrates.
• Agnatha; the evolution of jaws (Gnathostomes: Placoderms, Acanthodians, Chondrichthyans, and Osteichthyans).
• The transition to land and the 'innovations' that allowed vertebrates to conquer a new environment. Radiation of the earliest terrestrial tetrapods ('amphibians').
• Amniotes. The Synapsid/Sauropsid dichotomy.
• Sauropsids ('reptiles' + birds). Anapsids, Diapsids, Euryapsids.
• Terrestrial tetrapods return to marine life (the so-called 'marine reptiles').
• Sauropsids conquer the skies: pterosaurs and birds.
• Diversification of terrestrial sauropsids in the Mesozoic; effects of the K/Pg catastrophe.
• A step back to illustrate Synapsids and the group's radiations, particularly the one following the Permian-Triassic extinction and the Mesozoic radiation.
• The radiation of Mammals, including elements of Cenozoic paleobiogeography.
For each of the major groups mentioned, the main taxa will be described alongside their osteological and, as far as possible, ethological characteristics, phylogeny, and temporal and paleogeographic distribution.
Prerequisiti
Basic knowledge acquired through introductory courses in Paleontology, Zoology, Geology, Stratigraphy, Genetics. Given the diverse background of the student body, the professor will ensure that any individual knowledge gaps are integrated and addressed.Core Documentation
The reference textbook is:Benton M.J. (2014) - Vertebrate Palaeontology. Blackwell Publishing
Additional references to be discussed during the classes will be selected among the most recent and/or controversial.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory. To be admitted to the exam, students are required to attend at least two-thirds of the scheduled lectures. The methods for verifying attendance will be communicated by the professor at the beginning of the course. Any exceptions or exemptions are governed by the Regulations of the respective Degree Courses and the competent academic bodies.Type of evaluation
Oral exam designed to verify the student's understanding of the topics covered during lectures. The student will be required to illustrate the characteristics of a vertebrate taxon, contextualizing it within a very general phylogenetic framework and positioning it in time and space (stratigraphic and paleogeographic distribution). From the main topic, secondary questions will follow, either related to the syllabus or aimed at verifying the student's synthesis and reasoning skills. Evaluation criteria and determination of the final grade. The final grade, expressed on a 30-point scale (out of 30), is based on: • accuracy and completeness of knowledge; • ability to connect the acquired knowledge; • independence demonstrated in individual deep-studying; • clear presentation and correct use of technical terminology.