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Special Topic
VERTEBRATE PALAEONTOLOGY: The aim of this course is to develop skills for understanding the deep-time evolutionary history of vertebrates, particularly in Aotearoa New Zealand, in the context of global and local environmental changes. The course will focus on the role of comparative anatomy, biogeography, palaeoecology, phylogeny and paleoenvironmental reconstructions, in understanding the macroevolutionary patterns driving vertebrate evolution. Students will also learn about commonly used methods and tools, and will gain insights into practical aspects of vertebrate palaeontology, such as fossil preparation and writing up research. The course is intended for biology and geology majors with an interest in evolutionary biology and the evolutionary history of vertebrates, and it comprises of a mixture of lectures on the one hand and group discussions and presentations on the other, the latter centred around peer-reviewed publications relevant to lecture content and chosen by the students.
Goal of the course:To introduce students to academic research in vertebrate palaeontology, with a focus on understanding the evolutionary history of vertebrates primarily based, but not exclusively, on the New Zealand fossil record. Students will develop a critical understanding of the past diversity of vertebrates and the processes responsible for faunal changes through time in New Zealand and globally. Through lectures, presentations, group discussions, and written assignments, students will learn to interpret and study the vertebrate fossil record in the context of Earth’s dynamic systems.Learning outcomes:Students successfully completing this course will be able to:-Understand and discuss the evolution of morphological and ecological adaptations in certain lineages (e.g., birds, mammals, reptiles).-Understand and explain the main ideas behind vertebrate palaeontology research papers.-Have a critical understanding of taxonomy, nomenclature, and systematic palaeontology.-Interpret phylogenetic reconstructions and their application in vertebrate palaeontology. -Discuss and examine the past diversity of vertebrates in New Zealand, and the faunal changes that took place during the Cenozoic. Summary:The course examines the evolutionary history and palaeobiology of vertebrate lineages through geological time, focusing on the environmental and geographical changes that have underpinned taxonomic, ecological, and morphological diversity. Through a combination of lectures and group discussions, the course aims to provide an up-to-date understanding of how research in vertebrate palaeontology is carried out and how palaeobiological information is obtained.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Biculturally competent and confident
Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
one two-hour period per week (one hour lecture, one-hour discussions/literature review/presentations).
Vanesa De Pietri
Paul Scofield and Al Mannering
- Participation- Literature Assignments- Written Assignments
Prerequisites: A background in palaeontology or evolutionary biology is recommended. HOD approval.Recommended preparation: There is no required textbook for this course. Students will be directed to relevant journal articles for discussion and presentations throughout the course, and will be expected to undertake their own research and reading.
Domestic fee $1,145.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Earth and Environment .