The history of life on earth can be studied by its fossil record. In this approach, each fossil is seen as a window in evolutionary history and paleoecology. Importantly, fossils provide us with essential information on the age of the layers they are found in. Moreover they comprise our single most valuable source of information on the environment in the past. Fossils ranging from marine micro-organisms to large terrestrial vertebrates are thus used as tools to reconstruct time, evolutionary history, climate, and ancient environments.
In this course several fossil groups will be discussed and their practical applications will be explored.A general introduction on the use of fossils to reconstruct time (biostratigraphy) will be followed by lectures on marine invertebrate paleontology, micropaleontology, vertebrate paleontology and plant remains. An important part of the course will consist of hands-on exercises where you will learn how to use fossils for age determination and for environmental reconstruction.
Fossil rodents are used to demonstrate how to correlate and date fossil faunas. You will investigate the evolutionary history of marine invertebrates, based on their changing morphology. Marine micro-organisms and plant remains will be employed to reconstruct ecology and environment. Finally, Mesozoic vertebrates (251-65 Ma) are used to demonstrate morphological adaptations to changing environments. The lectures and excersises will be given by staff and guests of the Department of Earth Sciences.
Period
04-07-2011 - 15-07-2011 (2 weeks)
Target group
Upper year (3rd) undergraduate students and HBO students (4th year undergraduate) in the fields of earth sciences, geology, physical geography or related areas of study.
Course aim
- To understand the development of life during the history of the Earth.- To be able to use fossils in dating and paleoenvironment interpretation.
Credits
3.0 ECTS credits+ Certificate of Attendanc
Course fee
EUR 895: Course + course materials + housing EUR 560[Convert to USD]Course + course materials + housing
Course leader
Dr. Wilma Wessels
Scholarships
Course + course materials + housing
Utrecht University
Address: PO BOX 80148
Postal code: 3508 TC
City: Utrecht
Country: Netherlands
Website: http://www.utrechtsummerschool.nl
E-mail: summerschool@uu.nl
Phone: 0031302534400
History of Life on Earth
