- Docente: Daniele Scarponi
- Credits: 6
- SSD: GEO/01
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
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Corso:
Second cycle degree programme (LM) in
Biodiversity and Evolution (cod. 5824)
Also valid for Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Biodiversity and Evolution (cod. 5824)
Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Sciences and Management of Nature (cod. 9257)
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from Feb 25, 2025 to Jun 12, 2025
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will have knowledge on the origin and distribution of biotic provinces, the paleogeographic reconstructions based on biogeography from the Precambrian to the Neogene period, and the relationships between paleogeography and the distribution patterns of living beings. Finally, the student will be able to evaluate the impact of the geographic changes on the biotic history.
Course contents
The course will focus on the principles of paleontology, historical ecology, and conservation biology. They will involve developing hypotheses, identifying appropriate methods for testing those hypotheses, collecting and analyzing real-world data, making observations of live, dead, and fossil specimens, and interpreting and reporting the results. Main topics: Introduction -Putting the Dead to Work; Is the Past the Key to the Future?; Baselines and Shifting Baselines; Live-Dead Analyses as fingerprints of human impacts; Measuring Biodiversity: Sampling Past & Present Ecosystems; Dating fossil remains in the Quaternary; Are we in the 6th Mass Extinctions?; End-Permian Mass Extinction as an Analogue for 21st Century Global Change (Extinction Drivers).
Conservation Paleobiology as an applied science (relevant case studies): Conservation Paleobiology in Action: Restoration of the Colorado River Delta; Conservation Paleobiology in Action: Restoration of the Everglades.
Readings/Bibliography
Lecture notes and bibliographic material will be provided during the course.
Teaching methods
ectures; Laboratory exercises and field trips
As concerns the laboratory unit of this course unit, all students must attend Module 1, 2 [https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/online-course-on-health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-areas] online, while Module 3 on health and safety is to be attended in class. Information about Module 3 attendance schedule is available on the website of your degree programme
Assessment methods
The exam is based upon a multiple-choice/open answer written test.
Teaching tools
Video projector; PC; blackboard; Microscope; Fossil collection; demonstration of the use of instruments (in the lab and on the field).
Office hours
See the website of Daniele Scarponi