Palaeobiology

Duration

25h Th, 15h Pr, 2d FW

Number of credits

Lecturer

Julien Denayer, Valentin Fischer

Coordinator

Valentin Fischer

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Palaeobiology analyses the evolution and ecology of fossil organisms. This course combines theoretical foundations with case studies and advanced analytical methods of fossil data.
The course is divided into three main chapters:

• Modalities of evolution and phylogeny
• Palaeoecology (taphonomy, functional morphology, ecological interactions, etc.).
• Modern techniques of paleobiology

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

• Understanding the mechanisms of organismal evolution
• Understanding the processes of fossilisation, at various scales
• Interpret fossil assemblages and understand their biases and their paleo-environmental implications
• Understand and conduct phylogenetic and palaeobiological analyzes (morphospaces, clusters) 

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Strong knowledge of the anatomy and classification of fossil animals (paleozoology)
Mastery of some computer programs (spreadsheets, R)

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Lectures with multimedia support and samples examination. Crucial articles will have to be read before some of the theoretical courses, in order to organize round tables of discussion on important subjects such as the origin of morphological adaptations.
This course deliberately combines 'theory' and 'practicals'; several sessions will be mixed, in order to make direct links in the theoretical bases and their applications, for example in the field of phylogeny.
One or two mini-projects in groups will also be organized in the field of quantitative palaeobiology
Two one-day fieldtrips complete the teaching, illustrating palaeoecological relationships in very well preserved ecosystems of the Belgian Palaeozoic.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

Face-to-face and readings before classes. Bilingual.

Recommended or required readings

The slides of the course will be available at the latest just after each session.
 The course is based in particular on the following books (available at the Earth Science Library):

• Briggs, D.E.G. & Crowther, P.P, 2003. Palaeobiology II. Blackwell Publishing, 583 p.
• Martin, R.E., 1999. Taphonomy: a process approach. Cambridge University Press, 508 p.
• Selden, P. & Nudds, J., 2012. Evolution of fossil ecosystems. Manson Publishing, 288 p.

Assessment methods and criteria

Oral examination on the theoretical content and its application by the analysis of samples.
Mini-projects in groups during the semester; these will be defended during the oral examination.

Work placement(s)

None.

Organizational remarks

Contacts

Prof. V. Fischer & Dr. J. Denayer
Evolution and Diversity Dynamics Lab.
Département de Géologie (B18). Quartier Agora, 14, allée du 6 Août, B-4000 Liège, Sart-Tilman.
V. Fischer : 04 366 52 79 v.fischer@ulg.ac.be
J. Denayer : 04 366 32 48 julien.denayer@ulg.ac.be

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