Course Title: Principles of Paleobiology

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Introduction

Since the 1970s paleontology has evolved from a topic-oriented discipline focused on taxonomy, systematics and stratigraphic correlation primarily, to a far more diverse, integrative and data-analytic research program focused on the inference of historical state/process from empirical data. As a result, contemporary students of the subject need to be exposed to a far broader range of topics, skills, concepts and theories that those of the traditional paleontology course program. This course is designed to deliver focused instruction in the more paleobiological side of paleontology. In so doing, it will increase students’ understanding of, and appreciation for, developments, advances, and current controversies being debated within contemporary paleontology. The course will be delivered in the form of a survey of major paleobiological research programs and will include training in basic data and data-analysis skills as well as reviews of fundamental concepts and ongoing controversies.

Topics Covered

Nature of the Fossil Record
Description and Analysis of Morphology
Species – Definitions & Species Concepts
Classification, Taxonomy & Systematics
Phylogenetic Inference – Cladistics & Phylogeny
Stratigraphy – Zonation & Correlation
Stratigraphy – Inference of Strat. Sequences
Taxon Richness & Abundance
Morphological Disparity
Patterns & Modes of Origination
Patterns & Modes of Extinction
Tempo & Mode of Evolution (Macroevolution)
Paleoecology
Paleobiogeography
Conservation Paleobiology & Astrobiology