Vertebrate evolution (tetrapods)

Course goals

Content

Taxonomy, comparative anatomy and phylogeny of major tetrapod groups will be discussed, from Paleozoic to Recent times. An important topic will be the physiological and morphological adaptations from an insectivorous or carnivorous lifestyle to a herbivorous lifestyle.

Evolution of feeding adaptations in tetrapods will be discussed, in connection with evolution of plants and insects, palaeogeography and palaeoclimatology. In several hands-on exercises comparative morphology of skeletons (extant species) and functional morphology of skulls (extant and extinct species) will be studied. Also included is a visit to Naturalis Biodiversity Center.

By the end of the course, the student will have acquired:
Knowledge and insight:
An advanced understanding of the evolutionary development of terrestrial vertebrates during the history of the earth, in context with evolution, palaeogeography and palaeoclimatology. An advanced understanding of the adaptation to diet as expressed in the morphology of skull and skeleton, and of convergent evolution due to dietary adaptations.
>Acquired by reading of the literature, hands-on exercises, the discussions during the oral presentations, and the exam.
 
Application of knowledge and insight:
The student is capable of exploring the relevant scientific literature and information, and of critically examining, analyzing, and evaluating the information;
- is able to use and analyze relevant information from other earth-sciences related disciplines (such as chemistry and biology);
- has obtained the ability to analyse and interpret the data from the hands-on exercises at a high level, including data and information gathered from research-articles.
>Acquired by the exam, the hands-on exercises, the discussions during the oral presentations, and by writing the report and essay.
 
Judgement:
The student has obtained expertise of the underlying processes in the field of vertebrate evolution and evolution of the earth through time.
>Acquired by the exam, the hands-on exercises, the discussions during the oral presentations, and by writing the report and essay.
 
Written communication skills
The student has developed writing and presentation skills and is able to produce written papers on vertebrate evolution in English.
>Acquired by the writing of the report and essay.
 
Verbal communication skills
The student has developed general listening and presentation skills, also for non-specialist audiences; is able to give an oral presentation, in English, using appropriate presentation techniques, and tuned to a specific public.
>Acquired by the oral presentation and discussions during the oral presentations.