Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleontological Heritage

The unit aims to introduce to the theory and methods of macroevolutionary analysis by providing examples and case studies with particular reference to the vertebrates. It describes the most common methodologies of investigation, from morphological analysis, to the integration with molecular data, in a phylogenetic framework. It presents methods and objectives of conservation palaeobiology and more generally deals with the integration of paleontological data with neontlogical ones. It examines paleontological specimens as resources of cultural heritage by illustrating examples of valorisation and management of fossil vertebrates in Italy and abroad.

The student will be able to understand dynamics and evolutionary mechanisms at the large scale. The student will learn about the major evolutionary transitions that have characterized the history of vertebrates by integrating palaeontological and biological data. The student will be able to identify objectives and methods of palaeontological data integration in neontological analyses. The student will be able to evaluate goals and effectiveness of valorisation projects with particular reference to vertebrate paleontological heritage.