Vertebrate evolution (tetrapods) (2025/2026: Periode 2)

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Cursusdoel

Please note: the information in the course manual is binding.
To understand the development of vertebrates during the history of the earth. A major focus is on feeding adaptations, in context of evolution, palaeogeography and palaeoclimatology.

Vakinhoudelijk

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.

Werkvormen

Lectures
Toelichting

In addition to the regular lectures, each student also prepares and presents a short lecture on their essay topic.

Hands-on-exercises
Toelichting

Attendance at the hands-on exercises and at the student presentations is required.

Presentation students
Toelichting

Attendance at the student presentations is required.

Toetsing

Eindresultaat

Verplicht | Weging 1% | ECTS 7,5

Final grade will be based on: -Exam (in Remindo) (30%); -Hands-on exercises including the report (30%); -Essay (30%); -Presentation essay (10%). A resit is required for students with a final grade between 4,00 and 5,49. The maximum grade after a resit is 6.

Ingangseisen en voorkennis

Ingangseisen

Je moet een geldige toelatingsbeschikking hebben

Voorkennis

Bachelor Earth Sciences (track Geology or Physical Geography) and / or Minor Earth, climate and life - or a Bachelor Biology.

Voorkennis kan worden opgedaan met

“Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record.” Michael J. Benton and David A.T. Harper.

Voertalen

  • Engels

Cursusmomenten

Gerelateerde studies

Tentamens

Er is geen tentamenrooster beschikbaar voor deze cursus

Verplicht materiaal

  • BOEK
    Hardcopy of Pough, F.H, Bemis, W.E., McGuire, B., and Janis C.M. (2022). Vertebrate Life, 11th edition.
    ISBN: 9780197558621
  • ARTIKELEN
    Journal articles (available on Blackboard).

Aanbevolen materiaal

Er is geen informatie over de aanbevolen literatuur bekend

Coördinator

prof. dr. A.S. Schulp a.s.schulp@uu.nl

Docenten

dr. E.B. Jarochowska E.B.Jarochowska@uu.nl

Inschrijving

Deze cursus is open voor bijvakkers. Controleer wel of er aanvullende ingangseisen gelden.

Inschrijving
Van maandag 15 september 2025 tot en met vrijdag 26 september 2025

Na-inschrijving
Van maandag 20 oktober 2025 tot en met dinsdag 21 oktober 2025

Inschrijving niet geopend
Permanente link naar de cursuspagina
Laat in de Cursus-Catalogus zien