651-3420-00L  Palaeontology and Biostratigraphy

SemesterSpring Semester 2016
LecturersH. Bucher, M.  Hautmann, C. Klug, E. Schneebeli-Hermann
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionGerman


AbstractIntroduction to methods in paleontology and biostratigraphy. Presentation of major fossil groups of interest to earth scientists with introduction to their morphology, age, evolution, history, ecology, skeletons and their materials. Analyzes of the fossil record with applications to paleobiogeography, paleoecology and time scales.
ObjectiveKnowledge of the major methods in paleontology and biostratigraphy. Significance and application of fossil groups for earth scientists. Overview over important invertebrate groups, their morphology, temporal distribution, evolution and ecological significance. Understanding the properties of the fossil record and the applicability of various biochronological methods.
ContentHistory and methods in paleontology. Presentation of the major morphological Bauplans, with a focus on hard parts, temporal distribution, ecological significance of major fossil groups: microfossils, corals, cephalopods, bivalves, brachiopods, arthropods and echinoderms with respect to fossilisation, trace fossils, paleoecology, biostratigraphy, biochronology, paleobiogeography and biodiversity.
Lecture notesAll important documents needed for course and lab work will be available (pdf) on the internet.
LiteratureBoardman, R.S., Cheetham, A.H. & Rowell, A.J. 1987: Fossil invertebrates. Blackwell.
Stanley SM 1999 Earth System History. Freeman & Co.
Lehmann, U. & Hillmer, G. 1997: Wirbellose Tiere der Vorzeit. Enke, Stuttgart.
Prothero, D.R. 1998: Bringing Fossil to Life. WCB/McGraw-Hill.

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Prerequisites / NoticeIn addition to the lectures, lab work will be held in two groups (Tuesday afternoon, 13.15-15 hrs, and Wednesday morning, 8.15-10 hrs) in the lecture hall of the Paläontologischen Institut (Raum KO2 E72).