Topics in Biology (345-0-2)

Topic

Forerunners of Mammals

Instructors

Laura J Panko
847/491-8914
1908 Sheridan Road

Meeting Info

Technological Institute LG68: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

Long before the first dinosaurs, over 300 million years ago Archaeothyris inhabited swampy land in what is now Nova Scotia, Canada. Lizard-like in general body shape, the synapsid skull morphology nevertheless gives it away as a basal member of the group that gave rise to the mammals. In this class we will explore the ancient roots of Mammalia, with a particular focus on the dazzling diversity of Permian and Triassic synapsids that followed Archaeothyris

Registration Requirements

Prerequisites for Topics in Biology are BIOL_SCI 202-0, BIOL_SCI 203-0, and BIOL_SCI 234-0, or equivalent.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to: distinguish key modern and fossil synapsid taxa.; recognize and understand the significance of biological traits shared by mammals; choose appropriate paleobiological methods to test hypotheses about evolutionary history and the biology of extinct taxa.; explain the ecological context and geological time period in which synapsid evolutionary change occurred; identify significant dental and skeletal anatomical features of mammals and other synapsids.

Teaching Method

Lecture and discussion

Evaluation Method

Students will be evaluated based on quizzes, short assignments, and a final exam.

Class Materials (Required)

Kemp, T.S. 2005. The Origin & Evolution of Mammals. Oxford University Press, 342 pgs. ISBN: 978-0-19-850761-1 Estimated new print book cost: $93.00. The text is also available used or e-book; please contact instructor if you have questions.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Prerequisites: Students must have completed BIOL_SCI 202-0, BIOL_SCI 203-0, and BIOL_SCI 234-0 to register for this course.