Use the Tab and Up, Down arrow keys to select menu items.
Special Topic
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 geomorphological and environmental changes. The course will focus on the role of comparative anatomy (morphology), biogeography, palaeoecology, phylogeny and paleoenvironmental reconstructions, in gaining insights into macroevolutionary patterns driving vertebrate evolution. The course will also look 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.
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 learn to interpret and study the vertebrate fossil record in the context of Earth’s dynamic systems. Learning outcomes:-To understand and explain the main ideas behind vertebrate palaeontology research papers-To be able to write simple descriptions and comparisons of vertebrate fossil specimens-To understand the interactions between the evolution of vertebrate lineages and environmental/climatic changes-To understand the evolution of morphological and ecological adaptations in certain lineages (e.g., birds, mammals)-To interpret phylogenetic reconstructions and their application in vertebrate palaeontology-Understanding of taxonomy, nomenclature, and systematic palaeontologySummary:The course examines the evolutionary history and palaeoecology of vertebrate lineages through geological time, focusing on the environmental and geographical changes that have underpinned taxonomic, ecological, and morphological diversity. 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.
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 lecture per week, plus assignments.
Vanesa De Pietri
Paul Scofield and Al Mannering
- Participation- Literature Assignments- Written Assignments
Prerequisites: HOD approval
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 .