The Fossil Record

Catalog description

This course explores the principles and processes by which paleontologists interpret the fossil record, including systematics, principles of geologic dating and sequencing of events, evolution, and mass extinctions. The course will especially focus on the nature of fossilized life forms, including single-celled organisms, plants, animals, and many creatures whose relationships are obscure. Students may have opportunities to collect and study fossils from the region to personally experience the nature of past life.