GEOL 215 - Paleontology of Marine Life

This course considers the fossil record of marine life from its origin to the present, emphasizing the evolution of invertebrate animals through time. During classroom discussions, labs, a field trip, and museum visit, students will explore the anatomy, ecology, fascinating behaviors, life-sustaining ecosystem services, and evolutionary history of an amazing array of shelly animals and associated marine organisms that co-existed in reefs and adjacent habitats. Evolutionary events, including the Cambrian “explosion” and mass extinctions, are linked to dramatic physical (tectonic) and climatic changes that occurred in Earth’s past. An optional spring-break field trip to the tropics may be offered in alternate years to students who have already taken or are currently enrolled in this course.

Credits: 1.00
Corequisite: GEOL 215L
Prerequisites: GEOL 190 or one course in geology or biology
Major/Minor Restrictions: None
Class Restriction: None
Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Liberal Arts CORE: None

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