75595 - PALEOECOLOGIA STRATIGRAFICA

Learning outcomes

his course will focus on studies that use fossils to link stratigraphic and paleobiologic patterns and processes. The distribution of taxa in time and space is controlled not only by ecological and evolutionary processes (e.g., taxa environmental niches, extinctions/originations), but also by sedimentary processes that govern where and when fossil-containing sediments are deposited and preserved. Stratigraphic, taphonomic and ecologic attributes of fossil assemblages can be potentially useful for detecting biological trends, environmental shifts and climate variability through time and space, correcting stratigraphic biases that affect the fossil record, or enhance sequence stratigraphic interpretations.

Course contents

Introduction to Stratigraphic Paleobiology; The nature of a sample; the stratigraphic framework; environmental controls on the distribution of species; stratigraphic controls on fossil occurrences; evolutionary paleocology, biodiversity, ecosystem change through time; field trips and paleoecologic inferences directly on the field., Quaternary climate changes and implications for the marine fossil record: case studies.

Readings/Bibliography

Patzkowky ME, Holland SM. Stratigraphic Paleobiology: understanding the distribution of fossil taxa in time and space. The University of Chichago Press, 259 pp.

Teaching methods

Lectures; Laboratory exercises and field trips.

Assessment methods

The exam is based upon a multiple-choice/open answer written test.

Teaching tools

Video projector; PC; blackboard; Microscope; Fossil collection; demonstration of the use of instruments (in the lab and on the field).

Office hours

See the website of Daniele Scarponi