Paleontology and Paleoenvironments
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course is planned to illustrate the methods and techniques for sampling and preparation of macro and microfossils, and the approach to a modern classification is fossils, from the identification of the specimens to the publication of a scientific report.
The importance of fossils in facies analyses is treated in detail in the second part of the course with main focus on taphonomy and paleoichnology. The importance of taphofacies and ichnofacies analises, as well as the study of ichnofabric, for a modern, integrated facies analisis are described in detail.
The importance of fossils in facies analyses is treated in detail in the second part of the course with main focus on taphonomy and paleoichnology. The importance of taphofacies and ichnofacies analises, as well as the study of ichnofabric, for a modern, integrated facies analisis are described in detail.
Expected learning outcomes
Ability to plan paleontological sampling and preparation of collected samples. Ability to establish fossil classification. Understanding of the role of fossils in modern facies analysis and in the study of local and global events.
Lesson period: First 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
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course is organized into two parts. The first part is focused on the methods and techniques for a modern paleontology:
1) methods of sampling and preparation of fossils; 2) principles and procedures for the classification of fossils, with emphasis on quantitative approaches; 3) identification and analysis of ontogenetic and evolutionary trends at generic and suprageneric level;
The second part of the course is dedicated to applications and support to multidisciplinary analises:
4) Taphonomy, processes and applications, with special emphasis to taphophacies analysis and reconstruction of time scales; 5) Paleoichnology with application to ichnofacies and ichnofabric analyses;6) importance of fossils for the reconstruction of paleoenvironmental variations recodeed in stratigraphic successions; 7) Usefulness and importance of the fossils for the study of global events, including mass extinctions, based on the examination of some case studies.
All the topics are treated in depth, to the state-of-the-art level. Several case studies from literature are analysed and discussed during the course.
1) methods of sampling and preparation of fossils; 2) principles and procedures for the classification of fossils, with emphasis on quantitative approaches; 3) identification and analysis of ontogenetic and evolutionary trends at generic and suprageneric level;
The second part of the course is dedicated to applications and support to multidisciplinary analises:
4) Taphonomy, processes and applications, with special emphasis to taphophacies analysis and reconstruction of time scales; 5) Paleoichnology with application to ichnofacies and ichnofabric analyses;6) importance of fossils for the reconstruction of paleoenvironmental variations recodeed in stratigraphic successions; 7) Usefulness and importance of the fossils for the study of global events, including mass extinctions, based on the examination of some case studies.
All the topics are treated in depth, to the state-of-the-art level. Several case studies from literature are analysed and discussed during the course.
Prerequisites for admission
Paleontology courses of the 1st and 3rd year in Geological Sciences, or of the 2nd year of Natural Sciences.
Teaching methods
The course consists of 48 hours of lectures. The lectures are given with the support of Powerpoint presentations.
Teaching Resources
PDF files of the Powerpoint presentations. Some pdf of scientific papers discussed during the lectures.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final examination is oral. The students will be evaluated on the basis of their understanding of the topics treated during lectures, and on the basis of the use of scientifically appropriate language. They will be also asked to describe the possible strategy of solution of paleontology problems, based on the examples treated during the course.
GEO/01 - PALEONTOLOGY AND PALEOECOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Balini Marco
Professor(s)