GEOL 415    Vertebrate Paleontology

Section 01  •  5:30 PM–7:10 PM Tuesday  •  Hanna 308

 

Syllabus

I. Course Description

2 cr. A survey of the vertebrates through geologic time with special emphasis on morphology, function, evolution, time and spatial distribution. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 and GEOL 102 and/or ZOOL 101 and ZOOL 103.

II. Course Objectives and Outcomes

This course is designed to enable students to:

  1. Describe the salient characteristics of chordates and vertebrates.
  2. Identify and describe the major classes of vertebrate organisms which occur as fossils (classification and examples).
  3. Explain the importance of vertebrates in understanding the geologic history of the earth.
  4. Interpret the major steps in the evolution of the vertebrates.
  5. Relate the temporal distribution of the major classes throughout geologic time.

III. Course Topics

The major topics to be considered are:

  1. Essential concepts in vertebrate paleontology such as the scope and nature of vertebrate paleontology, the morphological organization and characteristics of vertebrate organisms, and the scientific classification of vertebrates (fossil and Recent).
  2. An investigation of the major classes of vertebrate fossils including Agnatha, Placodermi, Chondrichthyes, Osteichthyes, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves, and Mammalia and their temporal distribution in the geologic record.

IV. Instructional Methods and Activities

Methods and activities for instruction include: Advance organizers, lecture/group discussion, demonstrations, small group activities, discovery and inquiry learning, and problem-solving.

V. Evaluation and Grade Assignment

  1. Methods
    1. Written examinations will consist of three formal examinations (75%)
    2. Quizzes, assignments of various types, and class participation (25%)
  2. Grading Scale:  90-100 = A; 80-89 = B; 70-79 = C; 60-69 = D; Below 60 = F

VI. Class Policies

  1. Attendance policies correspond to those of the university. It should be noted that class attendance is very important in order to facilitate learning.
  2. Assignments are due on or before the indicated date. A penalty will be assessed for late assignments (normally 5% per day).
  3. Examinations are to be taken on the dates indicated on the schedule. Only excused absences will be accepted for missed examinations. Students may take a written or oral make-up examination at the instructor's earliest convenience, or the next examination may be counted as two grades.
  4. Discussion of pertinent safety issues, fire alarm, and evacuation procedures for Hanna Hall, Room 308.

VII. Textbook(s)

The textbook adopted for this course is:
Carroll, Robert L. (1988). Vertebrate Paleontology and Evolution. New York, NY: W.H. Freeman & Co.

VIII. Bibliography

The knowledge bases that support course content and procedures include:

  1. References
    1. Colbert, Edwin H. (1955). Evolution of the Vertebrates. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
    2. Lucas, Spencer G. (1994). Dinosaurs, The Textbook. Dubuque, IA: Wm. C. Brown Publishers.
    3. Roemer, Alfred S. (1966). Vertebrate Paleontology. Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press.
  2. Key Professional Journal
    1. The Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology

IX. Course Schedule (tentative order of topics and examinations)

  1. 8/25
    1. Distribute and discuss syllabus.
    2. Introduction to vertebrate paleontology.
    3. The scope of vertebrate paleontology.
    4. Vertebrate characteristics.
    5. Overview of vertebrate classes. Carroll (pp. 1-25)
  2. 9/2
    1. Introduction to the jawless fishes (most primitive) which includes modern cyclostomes and fossil ostracoderms. Carroll (pp. 26-43)
    2. Investigating the development of the jawed fishes—the placoderms.
  3. 9/9
    1. Characteristics and examples of placoderms. Carroll (pp. 44-61)
    2. Introduction to the Chondrichthyes (sharks, rays, and skates). Carroll (pp. 62-83)
  4. 9/16
    1. Evolution and development of the Chondrichthyes. Carroll (pp. 62-83)
    2. The Osteichthyes (bony fishes): their advances and evolution in the Paleozoic and Mesozoic. Carroll (pp. 84-155)
  5. 9/23
    1. Cenozoic evolution of the Osteichthyes. Carroll (pp. 84-155)
    2. Announce examination #1.

9/30 EXAMINATION #1 (Introduction through Osteichthyes)

  1. 10/7
    1. The Sarcopterygians: their development and importance.
    2. The Amphibia. Evolution and development of the group. Carroll (pp. 156-191)
  2. 10/14
    1. Introduction to the amniotes, their characteristics, and importance.
    2. Investigation of the turtles and their evolution.
    3. Introduce the diapsids. Carroll (pp. 192-239)
  3. 10/21
    1. Complete discussion of diaspsids and begin Mesozoic marine reptiles (MMR). Carroll (pp. 240-260)
    2. Classification and evolutionary history of MMR. Carroll (pp. 240-260)
    3. Announce Examination #2 (independent; outside of class).
  4. 10/28
    1. EXAMINATION #2 (Amphibia through Mesozoic marine reptiles)
      1. Test will be distributed at the end of class
      2. Test will be done independently outside of class
      3. Test due November 4
    2. Introduction to the dinosaurs. Carroll (pp. 261-318)
    3. Classification of the dinosaurs.
    4. Evolutionary development and diversification of the dinosaurs. Carroll (pp. 319-330)
  5. 11/4
    1. Extinction of the dinosaurs: different theories.
    2. Complete discussion of the dinosaurs (slides, film, Internet activity).
  6. 11/11
    1. Evolution of the Aves (birds). Carroll (pp. 331-360)
    2. Introduce the development of the mammals. Carroll (pp. 361-423).
  7. 11/18
    1. Discuss the classification of the mammals. Carroll (pp. 425-568)
    2. Evolutionary history of the mammals. Carroll (pp. 425-568)
  8. 11/25
    1. Continue discussion of mammals (such as horse, whale).
    2. Evolutionary development of the primates and man.
    3. Review for final examination.

FINAL EXAMINATION Tuesday, December 2, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

 

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