Vertebrate Paleontology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide basic knowledge on the evolution and systematics of vertebrates in order to understand their diversity and adaptations in different chronological, geographical and environmental contexts.
Expected learning outcomes
By attending this course, the student will acquire the skills to recognise the anatomical and ecological characteristics of the main classes and orders of vertebrates, and their chronological and geographical setting.
Lesson period: First 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
First semester
Course syllabus
History of Vertebrate Palaeontology
Fossil vertebrates in the collective imaginary
Taphonomy
New technologies in the study of fossil vertebrates (photogrammetry and CT)
Origin of vertebrates
Agnates
Cartilaginous fishes
Bony fishes
Sarcopterygians and early tetrapods
Amphibians and amniotes
Lepidosauromorphs
Archosauromorphs
Dinosaurs
Birds
Mammals
Discussion of case studies
For each group of vertebrates, an overview of the main anatomical and ecological features will be presented; chronological and phylogenetic framework; analysis of adaptations from aquatic life to land and from land to water, adaptations to flight; extinctions and radiation.
Fossil vertebrates in the collective imaginary
Taphonomy
New technologies in the study of fossil vertebrates (photogrammetry and CT)
Origin of vertebrates
Agnates
Cartilaginous fishes
Bony fishes
Sarcopterygians and early tetrapods
Amphibians and amniotes
Lepidosauromorphs
Archosauromorphs
Dinosaurs
Birds
Mammals
Discussion of case studies
For each group of vertebrates, an overview of the main anatomical and ecological features will be presented; chronological and phylogenetic framework; analysis of adaptations from aquatic life to land and from land to water, adaptations to flight; extinctions and radiation.
Prerequisites for admission
Having taken an exam in Fundamentals of Palaeontology (6 CFU)
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures
Teaching Resources
Michael J. Benton. Palaeontology of Vertebrates. Edition IV or V in Italian or English.
In addition, all lecture slides will be available on the Ariel website.
In addition, all lecture slides will be available on the Ariel website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam which will include the preparation of a PPT presentation on a course-related topic to be exposed in 10 minutes.
Evaluation parameters
- Ascertain the achievement of the objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding;
- ascertain the ability to apply knowledge and understanding through discussion of case studies presented during the course;
- ascertain the student's autonomy of judgment also through the analysis of examples discussed during the course;
- ascertain the appropriateness of the technical language pertaining to Vertebrate Paleontology and the ability to present the arguments in a clear and orderly form.
Final evaluation is expressed on a scale of thirty.
Evaluation parameters
- Ascertain the achievement of the objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding;
- ascertain the ability to apply knowledge and understanding through discussion of case studies presented during the course;
- ascertain the student's autonomy of judgment also through the analysis of examples discussed during the course;
- ascertain the appropriateness of the technical language pertaining to Vertebrate Paleontology and the ability to present the arguments in a clear and orderly form.
Final evaluation is expressed on a scale of thirty.
GEO/01 - PALEONTOLOGY AND PALEOECOLOGY - University credits: 6
Practicals with elements of theory: 12 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Iurino Dawid Adam
Professor(s)