OSHER 443 - Life of the Past: The History of Animal Life through Geologic Time

The intent of the course is to give the student exposure to select concepts in the biological and paleontological history of animal life and its evolution and habitats through geologic time. The primary focus will be on invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles and birds, and mammals. We will begin with general concepts in evolution, ecology, and fossil preservation. Then we will continue on with a chronological discussion of the life history of our planet, starting with the Cambrian explosion of hard-shelled organisms through the Palezoic Period and the evolution of fish, amphibians, and reptiles. We will discuss the Mesozoic Period, the Great Age of Reptiles, and finish with the Cenozoic and the rise to dominance by mammals.