GEOL 215 - Paleontology of Marine Life

Considers the fossil record of marine life from its origin to the present, emphasizing the evolution of invertebrate animals and marine environments through time. In class, lab, and the field, students explore the anatomy, ecology, evolutionary history, and life-sustaining ecosystem services of shelly animals—from ancient to modern—that co-existed in reefs and adjacent habitats. Evolutionary events, including several biologic “revolutions,” are linked to dramatic environmental and climatic changes in Earth’s past. Familiarity with the record of past mass extinctions helps student gain facility in evaluating the magnitude of today’s biodiversity crisis and identifying best practice solutions for protecting marine environments during rapid global change.

Credits: 1.00
Corequisite: GEOL 215L
Prerequisites: One course in geology or biology
Major/Minor Restrictions: None
Class Restriction: None
Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Liberal Arts CORE: None

Click here for Course Offerings by term