BIOL 416 - Seminar in Vertebrate Paleobiology and Evolution

Cross-Listed as GEOL 416

This course delves into the evolutionary history and paleobiology of vertebrates. We’ll explore the 500-million year history of the group, and employ that framework to investigate originations and extinctions, innovative vertebrate body plans, and the functional changes associated with the invasion of new habitats. From mouths to jaws, jaws to ears, arms to wings, and fins to legs (and back again), we’ll investigate living vertebrates as analogues of fossil organisms and integrate discoveries in paleontology, geology, and molecular and developmental biology. The class will include periodic field trips to the Science Museum of Minnesota’s Paleontology Collections and hands-on paleobiological research. Three lecture/discussion hours each week. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 180 and GEOL 165, or GEOL 300; junior senior standing; or permission of instructor. Offered occasionally. (4 Credits)