The module will examine the evolution and palaeobiology of vertebrate groups with emphasis on the evolutionary origins of distinct types of skeletal architecture. The practicals will involve the examination and comparison of fossil and recent vertebrates and employ cladistic methods to analyse relationships.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module the student should be able to:
Describe, in detail, the evolutionary history and palaeobiology of extant and extinct vertebrate groups;
Evaluate and assess the data on which current understanding is based;
Evaluate the techniques used in phylogenetic analysis.
Taught content is shared with ESC M319 (03 10820). As a Level M option, this module requires students to build on their greater geological knowledge and skills in demonstrating a higher degree of creativity, initiative and independence in learning, and a greater awareness of the issues underpinning advances in the relevant areas of the Earth sciences.