GEOL 5430 - Paleobiogeography

Examines the coevolution of the Earth’s biota with tectonic, climatic, and other types of environmental change. Examines both theoretical and practical aspects of paleobiogeographic analysis including implications for paleogeographic reconstruction. Incorporation of macroevolutionary theory, phylogenetic theory, and other advanced paleontologic methods are critical components.

Requisites:
Credit Hours: 4
Repeat/Retake Information: May not be retaken.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 2.0 lecture, 2.0 laboratory
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Learning Outcomes:

Apply a variety of quantitative paleontological methods in case study driven homework assignments.
Be able both lead and participate in analytical discussions of current scientific literature.
Be able to elucidate the complex relationships between paleobiogeography, paleoecology, and macroevolution.
Develop a detailed understanding of the relationship between geologic events and historical biogeographic patterns.
Gain a quantitative appreciation of for the quality of the fossil record and how that quality impacts the validity of paleontological research.
Graduate students will develop strong skills in critical analysis of peer-reviewed literature.
Graduate students will perform a quantitative paleobiogeographic analysis based on a phylogenetic data set they have personally compiled from recent scientific literature. This analysis must utilize at least three of the methods learned in the class.
Have a clear understanding of historical, cladistic, phylogenetic, and similarity based paleobiogeographic methods.
Undergraduates will select and research a paleobiogeographic topic of their choosing. A 10 page term paper and 20 minute class presentation will be presented based on this research.
Understand the various mechanisms by which speciation occurs and be able to identify speciation styles in a clade where phylogenetic relationships are known.
Utilize their understanding of theoretical paleontology to analyze case studies as presented in recent journal articles.