Biostratigraphy and Biochronology
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to demonstrate the importance and usefulness of biostratigraphy and biochronology for the solution on complex geological problems, such as time calibration of stratigraphic successions, reconstruction of sedimentary basin evolution, the calibration of long range time correlations, and the definition of chronostratigraphic units of the Standard Global Chronostratigraphic Chart (International Commission on Stratigraphy). All the intermediate steps for the final achieving of these goals will be treated, from sampling of macro and microfossils, taxonomic analises, preparation of range charts and qualitative and quantitative analyses of biostratigraphic and biochronologic data.
Expected learning outcomes
Ability to select the best biostratigraphic or biochronologic tool for the time-calibration of stratigraphic successions. Knowledge on the usefulness of fossils in integrated stratigraphy, especially with as regards the integration with magnetostratigraphy, cyclostratigraphy and chemostratigraphy.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
teaching not active in the academic year 2025-26
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course is structured in two parts.
The first part deals with the concepts and methodological principles of Biostratigraphy and Biochronology:sampling methods and techniques; definition of species in Paleontology; types of speciation and consequences in the relationships between FO and FAD; range charts; identification of FO, LO, FAD and LAD; techniques to identify FADs and LADs; types of biozones; direct and indirect biostratigraphic and biochronologic correlationswith examples relating to platform/basin and marine/continental correlations. During the various examples examined, the most significant paleontological groups of macrofossils and microfossils are also presented, with their specific properties.
The second part analyses the relationships between Biostratigraphy and Chronostratigraphy, first of all on a theoretical basis, through the examination of the conditions and characteristics of Global Stratotypes Sections Points . Subsequently, case studies are examined, selected on the basis of the International Chronostratigraphic Chart of the ICS (www.stratigraphy.org),, regarding the Carboniferous, Permian, Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous, Paleogene and Neogene Systems. For each system, all the GSSPs defined to date are presented, with references to the historical context and the geological-stratigraphic problems. The relationship between Biostratigraphy and Biochronology are examined and examples are provided to illustrate how evolutionary data, used to reconstruct the sequence of organisms through time, are applied for global correlations.
The first part deals with the concepts and methodological principles of Biostratigraphy and Biochronology:sampling methods and techniques; definition of species in Paleontology; types of speciation and consequences in the relationships between FO and FAD; range charts; identification of FO, LO, FAD and LAD; techniques to identify FADs and LADs; types of biozones; direct and indirect biostratigraphic and biochronologic correlationswith examples relating to platform/basin and marine/continental correlations. During the various examples examined, the most significant paleontological groups of macrofossils and microfossils are also presented, with their specific properties.
The second part analyses the relationships between Biostratigraphy and Chronostratigraphy, first of all on a theoretical basis, through the examination of the conditions and characteristics of Global Stratotypes Sections Points . Subsequently, case studies are examined, selected on the basis of the International Chronostratigraphic Chart of the ICS (www.stratigraphy.org),, regarding the Carboniferous, Permian, Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous, Paleogene and Neogene Systems. For each system, all the GSSPs defined to date are presented, with references to the historical context and the geological-stratigraphic problems. The relationship between Biostratigraphy and Biochronology are examined and examples are provided to illustrate how evolutionary data, used to reconstruct the sequence of organisms through time, are applied for global correlations.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no formal prerequisites. However, it is expected that the student who follows the course has a basic knowledge of Paleontology, also acquired in courses of the three-year degree (BS) program, and a more advanced knowledge of Stratigraphy, acquired during the BS and the master's degree programs.
Teaching methods
The course consists of 48 hours of lectures. The lectures are given with the support of Powerpoint presentations.
Teaching Resources
The lectures are given by using Powerpoint presentations. The PDF files are available to the students. Some pdf of scientific papers discussed during the lectures. Will be also made available.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is oral.
The evaluation is carried out on the level of knowledge acquired regarding the principles and advanced methods used in the fields of Biostratigraphy, explored during the course. Having included in the course the analysis of some examples of complex problems, especially regarding the implications of Biostratigraphy in Chronostratigraphy, the reasoning skills on biostratigraphic information in the chronostratigraphic context will also be evaluated.
The evaluation is carried out on the level of knowledge acquired regarding the principles and advanced methods used in the fields of Biostratigraphy, explored during the course. Having included in the course the analysis of some examples of complex problems, especially regarding the implications of Biostratigraphy in Chronostratigraphy, the reasoning skills on biostratigraphic information in the chronostratigraphic context will also be evaluated.
GEO/01 - PALEONTOLOGY AND PALEOECOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours