GEOS 212 Principles of Paleontology (Same as Biology 211) (Not offered 1997-98)

An introduction to the study of ancient life as represented by fossils. Topics of discussion include: history of man's intellectual discovery of fossils as organic remains; biological and paleontological views of the species concept; current debate over the timing and mechanisms of evolution; functional morphology; analysis of fossil assemblages to reconstruct the ecology of ancient environments; biogeography and the nature and possible causes of extinction. Laboratories focus on the biology and taxonomy of the major invertebrate phyla. Lectures, three hours a week; one three-hour laboratory a week; field trip to the Lower Devonian Helderburgs of New York State. Evaluation will be based on a midterm paper, a midterm exam, lab practicum, and a final exam. Prerequisite: any 100-level Geosciences course or Biology 101, 102 or 203.

M. JOHNSON