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
Ungar P. (2011). Mammal Teeth: Origin, Evolution, and Diversity. John Hopkins University Press
Azzaroli A. (1990). Lezioni di Paleontologia dei vertebrati. Pitagora ed.
Benton M. (1997) Vertebrate palaeontology .
Learning Objectives
The course is offered to Master level students in Natural Sciences, but is of potential interest also for students in Geological Sciences, and Evolutionary biology.
The course is aimed to provide the students with the knowledge of timing and patterns of evolutionary history of vertebrates.
Prerequisites
Basics of general Paleontology
Teaching Methods
Lectures
Further information
Attendance to lessons is highly recommended
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.