Applied Palaeoecology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course prepares the students to deal with the analysis of the interactions that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms (particularly marine invertebrates) in the geological past in order to understand the evolution of the ecosystems in deep time.
Expected learning outcomes
To recognize the biotic and abiotic factors that have governed the distribution of organisms in the geologic past. The student must be able to recognize the main biotic and abiotic factors that led to the formation of a fossil association, reconstructing its living environment.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course is aimed at paleoecological and paleoenvironmental reconstructions and the evaluation of broad themes ranging from biology to geology. The course is divided into lectures (40 hours) and laboratory activities (16 hours), during which the analysis of fossil associations through the use of specific software and a field excursion are scheduled.
History and significance of Paleoecology. Taxonomic uniformitarianism. Environments, lifestyles and trophic strategies. Biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere interactions. Factors that regulate the distribution of fossil organisms. Abiotic factors (light, nutrients, oxygen, temperature, salinity, substrate, currents, depth). Biotic factors (competition, predation, parasitism, protocooperation, commensalism). Taphonomy. Sampling methodologies. Functional morphology. Population dynamics. Survival curves. Community analysis. Indices of biodiversity. Analysis of the Pachycyrtella bed (Permian, Oman).
Field excursion (Albenza, Stirone or Arda).
History and significance of Paleoecology. Taxonomic uniformitarianism. Environments, lifestyles and trophic strategies. Biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere interactions. Factors that regulate the distribution of fossil organisms. Abiotic factors (light, nutrients, oxygen, temperature, salinity, substrate, currents, depth). Biotic factors (competition, predation, parasitism, protocooperation, commensalism). Taphonomy. Sampling methodologies. Functional morphology. Population dynamics. Survival curves. Community analysis. Indices of biodiversity. Analysis of the Pachycyrtella bed (Permian, Oman).
Field excursion (Albenza, Stirone or Arda).
Prerequisites for admission
Prerequisites: fundaments of palaeontology.
Teaching methods
Type of exam: Written;
Attendance: strongly recommended;
Delivery method: Traditional.
Attendance: strongly recommended;
Delivery method: Traditional.
Teaching Resources
PALAEOECOLOGY: Ecosystem, environments and evolution. P. J. Brenchley & D.A.T. Harper. Chapman & Hall, 1998.
PALAEOECOLOGY Concepts and application.
2 ed., J. Dodd & R.J. Stanton Jr. John Wiley & Sons, 1990.
EARTH'S CLIMATE Past and Future
W.F. Ruddiman. W.H. Freeman and Company, New York, 2001
Slides on Ariel and scientific papers provided during the lessons.
PALAEOECOLOGY Concepts and application.
2 ed., J. Dodd & R.J. Stanton Jr. John Wiley & Sons, 1990.
EARTH'S CLIMATE Past and Future
W.F. Ruddiman. W.H. Freeman and Company, New York, 2001
Slides on Ariel and scientific papers provided during the lessons.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Method: written test.
Type: written test with open answers, two requiring an exhaustive discussion and two with short answers; duration: 2 hours.
Evaluation parameters:
- ascertain the achievement of the objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding;
- ascertain the ability to apply knowledge and understanding through the discussion of case studies discussed in class;
- verify the student's autonomy of judgment also through the analysis of examples of paleoecological studies discussed during the course;
- ascertain the appropriateness of the specific language relating to paleontology and paleoecology and the ability to present the topics in a clear and orderly manner.
Type of evaluation: mark out of thirty.
The result of the written test will be communicated within 15 days of the test.
Type: written test with open answers, two requiring an exhaustive discussion and two with short answers; duration: 2 hours.
Evaluation parameters:
- ascertain the achievement of the objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding;
- ascertain the ability to apply knowledge and understanding through the discussion of case studies discussed in class;
- verify the student's autonomy of judgment also through the analysis of examples of paleoecological studies discussed during the course;
- ascertain the appropriateness of the specific language relating to paleontology and paleoecology and the ability to present the topics in a clear and orderly manner.
Type of evaluation: mark out of thirty.
The result of the written test will be communicated within 15 days of the test.
GEO/01 - PALEONTOLOGY AND PALEOECOLOGY - University credits: 6
Practicals with elements of theory: 12 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Angiolini Lucia, Crippa Gaia
Shifts:
Professors:
Angiolini Lucia, Crippa Gaia
Turno
Professor:
Angiolini LuciaProfessor(s)
Reception:
Monday 14.30
Department of Earth Sciences "Ardito Desio" or by email.