66447 - Paleobiogeography

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will have knowledge on the origin and distribution of biotic provinces, the paleogeographic reconstructions based on biogeography in Precambrian and Phanerozoic, and the relationships between paleogeography and the distribution patterns of living things. Finally, the student will be able to evaluate the impact of the geographic changes on the biotic history.

Course contents

Major factors influencing the distribtion of organisms. Major temporal changes through the Phenerozoic: geological changes, major patterns of biodiversity changes, radiations and extinctions, trends with geographic components, the role of competition. Biogeography during Precambrian (with a course on "Archaean biogeography" held by Dr. Barbara Cavalazzi), Early Paleozoic, Late Paleozoic, Early Mesozoic, Late Mesozoic, Paleogene, Neogene.

Readings/Bibliography

Lectures (pdf) are available for students, they also contain suggestions for further readings on the covered topics.

Suggested books:

Anthony Hallam, An Outline of Phanerozoic Biogeography, Oxford University Press, 1994

Glen M. Mac Donald, Biogeography. Space, Time and Life. Wiley, 2003 ( chapters 7 and 8)

Euan Clarkson, Bian Upton, Death of an Ocean. A Geological Borders Ballad. Dunedin Academic Press, 2010

Teaching methods

Traditional lessons (5 credits) and field activities (1 credit)

Assessment methods

Written examination

Teaching tools

Traditional lessons and in the Capellini Museum of the University of Bologna, field-trips (at least two full days)

Office hours

See the website of Roberto Barbieri

See the website of Barbara Cavalazzi