- Docente: Daniele Scarponi
- Credits: 6
- SSD: GEO/01
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
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Corso:
First cycle degree programme (L) in
Geological Sciences (cod. 8015)
Also valid for First cycle degree programme (L) in Natural Sciences (cod. 8016)
Learning outcomes
To provide paleoecological field skills as well as a few specilized research methods to resolve paleoenvironmental dynamics recorded in Quaternary marine successions of the Mediterranean Basin.
At the end of the course the student gain a full practice of how field-based science may be conducted in marine paleoecology.
Course contents
Theory: Marine paleoecology; zonation of benthic marine environments; sampling methodologies and taphonomy of macrobenthic fossil intervals. Describing and interpreting ecological gradients in the sedimentary record. Relative sea-level changes and turnover of mollusk associations. Bivariate and multivariate analyses in paleoecology (case studies).
Laboratory: Systematic and ecology of Mediterranean key-taxa (mainly mollusks) for paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Computer applications of data analysis techniques.
Field activity (3 days): Field-based studies seek to reconstruct environmental dynamics based on macrobenthic remains in the Quaternary successions of Italy.
Readings/Bibliography
Lecture notes and bibliographic material will be provided during the course.
Teaching methods
Lectures; laboratory exercises and field excursions.
Assessment methods
The exam is based upon a multiple-choice/open answer written test and a practical test.
The practical test consists in the description and identification of one macrobenthic invertebrate.
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