Paleontology: Ancient Marine Reptiles
Explore the evolution and adaptations of extinct marine reptiles. Learn about ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and mosasaurs through fossil evidence.
Explore the evolution and adaptations of extinct marine reptiles. Learn about ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and mosasaurs through fossil evidence.
Dive into the fascinating world of ancient marine reptiles with this comprehensive course from the University of Alberta. Led by experts Michael Caldwell and Halle P. Street, this program offers an in-depth exploration of the evolutionary changes that occur when air-breathing terrestrial animals return to water. Through engaging video lectures and interactive assignments, you'll discover the diversity, adaptations, and phylogenetic relationships of extinct marine reptiles. The course focuses on three major groups: ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and mosasaurs, examining their unique solutions to the challenges of aquatic life. You'll learn about the anatomical and physiological adaptations these creatures developed for swimming, diving, feeding, and reproducing in marine environments. The curriculum covers topics such as convergent evolution, paleobiology, and the stratigraphic record of these ancient marine reptiles. By studying fossils and their geological context, you'll gain insights into the life histories of these remarkable animals and their roles in ancient marine ecosystems. This course is designed to provide a solid foundation in marine reptile paleontology, suitable for both enthusiasts and those considering further studies in paleontology or evolutionary biology.
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What you'll learn
Understand the challenges faced by terrestrial animals returning to aquatic environments
Explore the diversity and adaptations of ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and mosasaurs
Analyze the anatomical and physiological changes in marine reptiles for aquatic life
Examine the convergent evolution in different lineages of marine reptiles
Understand the paleobiology of marine reptiles, including feeding, locomotion, and reproduction
Interpret fossil evidence to reconstruct ancient marine ecosystems
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
5.72 Hours PreRecorded video
4 assignments
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There are 4 modules in this course
This course provides a comprehensive overview of ancient marine reptiles, focusing on their evolution, adaptations, and diversity. The curriculum is divided into four modules, each exploring a different aspect of marine reptile paleontology. Students will learn about the challenges faced by terrestrial animals returning to aquatic environments and the various adaptations developed to overcome these obstacles. The course covers three major groups of extinct marine reptiles: ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and mosasaurs. Through video lectures and assignments, learners will explore the unique features of each group, their paleobiology, and their evolutionary history. The program emphasizes the importance of fossil evidence in understanding these ancient creatures and their ecosystems. By examining the stratigraphic record, students will gain insights into the temporal and geographic distribution of marine reptiles throughout the Mesozoic era.
Introduction to Marine Reptiles
Module 1 · 2 Hours to complete
Ichthyopterygians
Module 2 · 2 Hours to complete
Sauropterygians
Module 3 · 2 Hours to complete
Mosasauroids
Module 4 · 2 Hours to complete
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Instructors
Expert in Extinct Marine Reptiles and Their Adaptations
He is a vertebrate paleontologist specializing in extinct marine reptiles. His research focuses on the comparative skeletal anatomy and interrelationships of these fossil groups, exploring how these animals were adapted for their aquatic lifestyles.
Leading Expert in Vertebrate Paleontology at the University of Alberta
Michael Caldwell is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta, where he specializes in vertebrate paleontology, particularly focusing on the evolution and systematics of snakes, lizards, and their relatives. He earned his Ph.D. from McGill University, where he began his research into limb evolution in aquatically adapted reptiles, examining fossils of iconic marine reptiles like ichthyosaurs and mosasaurs. Caldwell's extensive fieldwork has taken him around the globe, from the deserts of Patagonia to museum collections worldwide, where he investigates both fossil specimens and living squamates to enhance our understanding of their evolutionary history. With over 60 peer-reviewed publications to his name, including significant contributions to the study of dental evolution in reptiles, Caldwell has established a reputation for challenging existing paradigms and generating new insights into the evolutionary processes that shape biodiversity. His commitment to mentoring students is evident in his role as a supervisor for numerous doctoral candidates, many from underrepresented groups in science. Caldwell's innovative use of new technologies such as CT scanning and digital imaging continues to advance the field of paleontology, making critical data more accessible for research and education.
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4.9 course rating
1,233 ratings
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