The evolutionary history of vertebrates. Major evolutionary transitions in vertebrate history. Evolutionary history of main mammalian groups. Insular endemism.
Kardong K.V. (2005). Vertebrati – anatomia comparata, funzione, evoluzione. McGraw-Hill
Azzaroli A. (1990). Lezioni di Paleontologia dei vertebrati. Pitagora ed.
Benton M. (1997) Vertebrate palaeontology – Blackwell Publishing
Learning Objectives
Knowledge
The course is offered to students in Natural Sciences but is of interest also for students in Geological Sciences, Evolutionary biology and Archaeology.
Competence and skills acquired
The corse is aimed to provide the students with the knowledge of timing and patterns of evolutionary history of vertebrates.
Prerequisites
None
Teaching Methods
Class lectures.
Further information
Frequency is not mandatory
Type of Assessment
Oral examination
Course program
The origin of vertebrates: the earliest evidences from the fossil. From agnate to gnatostomes: the origin of the mandible and maxillary apparatus. The world of Palaeozoic fishes. From sea to land: tetrapods origin. Earliest amphibians. The transition from Amphibians to reptiles. The origin of mammals. The evolution of mammalian tooth. Early marsupials and early placental mammals. Evolutionary history of Carnivora, Proboscidea, Primates, Artiodactyla, Perissodactyla, Insectivora and Rodentia. Quaternary faunas in Europe. Insular endemism and Neogene/Quaternary faunas of Mediterranean islands.