Evolutionary Paleobiology

Description

This course will provide students with an understanding of the principles of evolution, speciation patterns, rates and modes of evolution, and the definition of species using fossil material. This course will also discuss taphonomic processes and ecological bias that may distort the fossil record, and allow students to be more critical in their interpretation of past environments. Students will gain practical experience in collecting meaningful ecological data in the field, through a 2-3 day field trip (location to be confirmed).

Additional topics will be tailored to suit the interests of the class, but may include detailed considerations of New Zealand biotas, selected fossil groups, vertebrate palaeontology, molecular palaeontology and analytical methods.

Course structure
Classes will run as one 2-hour session per week, with presentation of powerpoint material combined with class participation. In most classes students will be given 1-2 articles to read and present as a short (10-15) review seminars to the class. This will generally be followed by a whole class discussion of the week’s topic, as a means of developing critical assessment. Participation in discussion, along with seminars, will be assessed throughout the course.